Emerging the Role of Mercury in Stroke: A Mini Review

Abstract

The impact of long-term exposure to several heavy metals in the environment on general health is causing growing concern. Mercury in particular falls into this category but other heavy metals are less prevalent. Among all heavy metals, mercury is the most toxic. Oxidative stress and dysfunctional mitochondria are brought on by mercury. This causes the inner mitochondrial membrane to depolarize, auto-oxidize, and undergo severe lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial malfunction. Mercury enhances lipid peroxidation, LDL oxidation, and plasma oxLDL complexes while inhibiting glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Chronic mercury exposure (even at very low levels), increases inflammation, oxidative stress, oxidative defense, and nitric oxide bioavailability and stimulates endothelial dysfunction, which increases the risk of CVD and CVA. In the future, more investigations and studies are needed to prevent the patients from mercury toxicity which leads to stroke and other illness.