Low-level mercury in children: associations with sleep duration and cytokines TNF-? and IL-6.

Author: Gump BB, Gabrikova E, Bendinskas K, Dumas AK, Palmer CD, Parsons PJ, MacKenzie JA.

Source: Environ Res.

Year: 2014

Comment:

The researchers conclude, "This is the first study to suggest that increasing blood Hg is associated with less sleep duration and reduced TNF- α (but not IL-6) in children."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“There is a sizeable literature suggesting that mercury (Hg) exposure affects cytokine levels in humans. In addition to their signaling role in the immune system, some cytokines are also integrally associated withsleep behavior. In this cross-sectional study of 9-11 year old children (N=100), we measured total blood Hg in whole blood, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and objectively measured sleep and activity using actigraphy. Increasing blood Hg was associated with significantly shortersleep duration and lower levels of TNF-α. IL-6 was not associated with sleep or blood Hg. This study is the first to document an association between total blood Hg and sleep (albeit a small effect), and the first to consider the associations of total blood Hg with cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in a pediatric sample. Further research using alternative designs (e.g., time-series) is necessary to determine if there is a causal pathway linking low-level Hg exposure to sleep restriction and reduced cytokines.”

Citation:

Gump BB, Gabrikova E, Bendinskas K, et al. Low-level mercury in children: associations with sleep duration and cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Environ Res. 2014;134:228-32.