The effect of exposure to mercury on disease activity in SLE

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  An investigation of the relationship between exposure to inorganic and organic mercury and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

• IRAS ID

  142057

• Contact name

  Emeir McSorley

• Contact email

  em.mcsorley@ulster.ac.uk

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. SLE is proposed to develop as a result of interplay between genetic predisposition and an environmental factor or a combination of factors. One proposed factor is exposure to mercury. Mercury can be found in the environment in both inorganic (e.g. dental amalgam vapour) and organic forms (e.g. fish consumption).
  A number of studies using cells and animal models have reported a link between exposure to inorganic and organic mercury and the development of autoimmune disease including SLE. Exposure to mercury results in both the induction as well as exacerbation of disease in animals genetically susceptible to developing autoimmune disease. Research in humans has reported a relationship between mercury exposure and the presence of immune markers that are indicative of autoimmune disease. Furthermore, epidemiological evidence suggests a link with autoimmune disease in mercury exposed gold miners and individuals residing in regions with increased air mercury concentrations due to pollution. Dental amalgams have been linked with autoimmune disease albeit the evidence is limited.

  To date no study has assessed the relationship between exposure to mercury and disease activity in SLE in humans. This proposed study aims to recruit SLE patients within Northern Ireland, to quantify their exposure to inorganic and organic mercury and to examine its relationship with disease activity. People vary on how they accumulate and excrete mercury based on their rate of metabolism and excretion (due to differences in genetics). This study will investigate genes related to mercury and examine how this relates to disease activity. Furthermore, this study will investigate if exposure to mercury impacts on markers of inflammation and fatigue. Results from this research may impact on patient management and provide public health information regarding the safety of mercury.

• REC name

  London - City & East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/LO/1778

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 Sep 2014

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion