Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global public health concern because of its adverse effects on the environment and health. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with Hg levels and outcomes. The aim of this review was to describe the research and discuss the evidence on the genetic susceptibility of Hg-exposed individuals to the development of neurocognitive disorders. A systematic review was performed to identify the genes/SNPs associated with Hg toxicokinetics and that, therefore, affect neurological function in exposed populations. Observational and experimental studies were identified by screening three databases. Thirteen articles were included (quality score 82–100%) and 8124 individuals were evaluated. Hg exposure was mainly fish consumption (77%) and, in 31% of the studies, the Hg levels exceeded the reference limits. Genetic susceptibility to higher Hg levels and neurotoxicity risk in Hg poisoning were associated with eight (ALAD rs1800435, CYP3A4 rs2740574, CYP3A5 rs776746, CYP3A7 rs2257401, GSTP1 rs1695, MT1A rs8052394, MT1M rs2270836, and MT4 rs11643815) and three (MT1A rs8052394, MT1M rs2270837, and MT2A rs10636) SNPs, respectively, and rs8052394 was associated with both outcomes. The MT1A rs8052394 SNP may be used as a susceptibility biomarker to identify individuals at greater risk for higher Hg levels and the development of neurocognitive disorders in metal-exposed populations.

Exposure to mercury (Hg) is associated with neurological disorders. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of Hg may be associated with susceptibility to adverse neurological effects of Hg. This study examined the relationship between polymorphisms in TNF-α (rs1799964, rs1799724 and rs1800629), IL-6 (rs1800795) and MMP-2 (rs2285053) with Hg levels and neurological impact in the Munduruku indigenous population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Brazilian Amazon, analyzing 188 individuals for hair Hg levels, polymorphisms, and neurological alterations. Participants ranged in age from 0 to 72 years and the majority (50.8%) were male. The median Hg level was 6.9µg/g (1.4-23.9µg/g), with 97.4% of individuals having levels above the tolerable limit of ≥2.0µg/g. A positive correlation was observed between fish consumption and higher Hg levels (p=0.03). The genotypic frequencies of all polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Distal pinprick perception (p=0.01) and foot mechanical detection threshold (p=0.02) were positively associated with the TNF-α rs1799964, while toe amyotrophy was positively associated with the TNF-α rs1799724 polymorphism (p=0.02). Distal thermal sensitivity abnormalities (p=0.009) and distal pinprick perception (p=0.034) were positively associated with the MMP-2 rs2285053 polymorphism. In conclusion, the TNF-α (rs1799964 and rs1799724) and MMP-2 (rs2285053) polymorphisms were associated with the neurotoxic effects of Hg in Brazilian indigenous populations. Integrating genetic analysis with environmental exposure monitoring can help to identify individuals who are more susceptible to selected neurological findings. This could improve public health strategies aimed at addressing the impact of Hg exposure, which has been dumped indiscriminately into the Amazon rivers due to illegal gold mining practices.

Mercury (Hg) is a major neurotoxicant and public health concern and gold mining is a significant source of Hg contamination in the Amazon. There, Indigenous peoples are vulnerable to this exposure. Individual susceptibility influences both internal mercury levels and related clinical outcomes. In this context, the GSTP1 gene stands out due to its role in detoxification of xenobiotics. The objectives were to assess the associations between: (1) Hg levels and neurotoxicity signs; (2) the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism and Hg levels; and (3) whether the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism modifies the effect of mercury on neurotoxicity signs. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2023, with 113 Paiter-Suruí Indigenous people. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a validated methodology. Hair and oral mucosa cells were collected to assess Hg levels and the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism. Hg levels ranged from 0.1 μg/g to 6.5 μg/g (median = 1 μg/g, IQR = 1.43). Individuals with impaired memory and muscle strength had significantly higher mercury levels (β = 4.39 and β = 1.24). Carriers of the GSTP1AA genotype showed a 0.46-point reduction for each 1 μg/g increase in mean Hg levels, compared to individuals with the GSTP1GG genotype (β = −0.46). These results may support public policies by identifying priority groups for intervention based on genetic profiles.

A saúde mental constitui um aspecto central da qualidade de vida, especialmente entre mulheres, que estão expostas a múltiplas jornadas e sobrecargas pessoais, profissionais e emocionais, potencializadas por desigualdades sociais, ambientais e ausência de equidade de gênero. O sofrimento psíquico emerge da interação de fatores econômicos, culturais, estruturais e ambientais, que são persistentes no cotidiano feminino. Nesse cenário, o meio ambiente se destaca como um fator determinante da saúde, com impactos que vão desde o campo emocional até alterações moleculares, que podem provocar enfermidades. Vivenciando essa realidade, surgiu o projeto de pesquisa e extensão “Saúde mental e o meio ambiente”, vinculado ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), com o objetivo de investigar a influência do meio ambiente na saúde mental de mulheres brasileiras. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa institucional e utilizou um questionário eletrônico contendo questões sobre aspectos socioambientais, financeiros, culturais, bem-estar e saúde. Como estratégia de sensibilização e ampliação da participação da comunidade, foi realizado um evento de extensão na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro, organizado pelo Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF) do curso de Farmácia da UERJ. Na ocasião, foi realizada a abordagem dos transeuntes, apresentado o projeto individualmente com auxílio de uma cartilha educativa, elaborada exclusivamente para o evento de extensão. Durante o evento, dos indivíduos abordados, 197 responderam ao questionário da pesquisa. A média de idade foi de 27,6±10,5 (18-60) anos, 103 (52,3%) eram mulheres, 111 (56,3%) autodeclarados pardos ou pretos e 59 (29,9%) bolsistas de pesquisa. A experiência referendou o papel da escuta ativa e do diálogo, viabilizados pela extensão universitária, como instrumentos de aproximação entre ciência e sociedade. Ações voltadas à promoção da saúde da comunidade, com estratégias que promovam o cuidado da saúde mental, refletem diretamente na qualidade de vida e ajudam a mitigar os riscos de doenças psicossociais. Palavras-chave: Qualidade de vida; Saúde mental; Saúde-ambiente. University extension as a means of education and awareness regarding the influence of the environment on mental health Mental health is a key component of quality of life, particularly for women who face long working hours and personal, professional, and emotional challenges exacerbated by social and environmental inequalities, as well as a lack of gender equality. Psychological distress emerges from the interaction of economic, cultural, structural, and environmental factors that persist in women's daily lives. In this context, the environment emerges as a key determinant of health, with impacts ranging from emotional well-being to molecular alterations that can lead to illness. In response to this, the research and extension project 'Mental Health and the Environment' was created. Linked to the Postgraduate in Environmental Science and Technology at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), the project aims to investigate the influence of the environment on the mental health of Brazilian women. Approved by the institutional research ethics committee, the study used an electronic questionnaire containing questions on socio-environmental, financial, cultural, well-being and health aspects. To raise awareness and encourage community participation, an outreach event was organized by the LAPESF (Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences) of the UERJ Pharmacy course in the west of Rio de Janeiro. During the event, passers-by were approached individually and presented with the project, with the help of an educational booklet designed exclusively for the outreach event. Of the people approached, 197 answered the survey questionnaire. The average age was 27.6 ± 10.5 years (range 18–60 years), 103 (52.3%) were women, 111 (56.3%) identified as brown or black, and 59 (29.9%) were research fellows. This experience confirmed the importance of active listening and dialogue, facilitated by university outreach, in bringing science and society closer together. Actions aimed at promoting community health and mental healthcare have a direct impact on quality of life and help mitigate the risks of psychosocial illnesses. Keywords: Quality of Life; Mental Health; Health-environment.