FINAL PROGRAM 6TH EDITION - EuroMediCom

As a lot of data is available for Mercury (Hg), it will be taken as a reference.As molecular mechanisms are involved in toxic processes, a good approach to the metabolism of toxic trace elements must take theirphysical state into account, as well as their physicochemical and chemical properties (cf. diagram 2).The diagram 3 sums up the state of the knowledge about the biotransformation of Mercury in the human organism and the steps willbe developed during the oral presentation.Diagram 2: Diagram 3:Main properties of chemicals involved in toxic processes Metabolism and targets of MercurySuch a metabolism probably concerns other toxic trace metals like Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), as well as Thallium (Tl), Silver (Ag),Bismuth (Bi) and Tin (Sn).A good knowledge of the metabolism pathways of toxic trace metals should help to understand the molecular mechanisms involved incellular aging process, in particular in the central nervous system.References1. Picot A., Proust N. Speciation and toxicity: mercury and associated compounds. Trace Microprobe Tech 2000;18: 182-92.2. Picot A., Proust N. Toxicochimie des xénobiotiques minéraux et organominéraux : importance de la spéciation. EMC (Elsevier Masson SAS, Paris)Toxicologie - Pathologie professionnelle., 16-001-R-10, 2007.3. Grosman M., Picot A. Le mercure des amalgames dentaires, l'un des principaux facteurs étiologiques de la maladie d'Alzheimer ?http://atctoxicologie.free.frEVALUATION TECHNIQUES OF THE POISONING BY HEAVY METALSTECHNIQUES D'ÉVALUATION DE L'INTOXICATION PAR LES MÉTAUX LOURDSVERA STEJSKAL(SWEDEN)ANTI-AGING MEDICINEAlthough acute metal poisoning in an occupational setting is easily diagnosed by measurement of metal concentration in the blood orurine, the same is not true for chronic metal poisoning which might develop following chronic low-dose exposure. The situation iscomplicated by the fact that under those circumstances, the health of exposed subjects is affected differently. Depending on thehereditary susceptibility, some people are relatively resistant to low dose effects while others, the susceptible ones, might developvarious forms of health problems ranging from skin diseases to chronic fatigue or serious autoimmune diseases. Let's take the exampleof mercury, a ubiquitous poisonous metal continuously released from the dental amalgam. Despite of the well-known fact that mercuryis one of the most toxic substances on the earth, only Scandinavian countries have followed the precaution "better safe than sorry"and either banned amalgam already (Norway) or will do so later this year (Sweden and Denmark).It is well established that measurement of mercury concentration in the blood, urine or hair will not be help to distinguish amongpatients with toxic or allergic reactions to mercury. The markers of susceptibility which allow for the detection of susceptible subjectsare determination of the polymorphism in certain important genes such as those for coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX4) or genesinvolved in the production and metabolism of glutathione. Another way is to measure the inflammatory potential of mercury whichvaries among the individuals. The susceptible groups reacting to mercury in an inflammatory way are patients with abnormal immunereactivity, such as allergy and autoimmunity.Metals such as mercury behave as haptens and induce the so called cellular type of hypersensitivity. This reaction is easily measuredby blood test, a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT-MELISA ® , www.melisa.org).BREAST TUMOURS STRONGLY ACCUMULATE TRANSITION METALS: NEW THERAPEUTICAL IMPLICATIONSLES TUMEURS DU SEIN ACCUMULENT FORTEMENT LES MÉTAUX DE TRANSITION : NOUVELLES CONSÉQUENCESTHÉRAPEUTIQUESJOHN IONESCU(GERMANY)Increased levels of transition metals like iron, nickel, chromium, copper and lead are closely related to free radical generation, lipid89