Mercury - Other Articles of Interest

Here is a small selection of articles of interest - compiled here partly for your convenience, and partly also because articles such as these sometimes become unavailable elsewhere on the web if sites or webpages are withdrawn - therefore there is at least a permanent compilation here. All links, however, are also included to the websites where these articles originally appeared. I don't necessarily agree with all the views expressed, but there is much useful and pertinent information mentioned by the various authors. If you would prefer to download all of the articles below as a single document for printing, click here.

        Farm-field runoff, raw sewage, and smokestack emissions may contain a slew of poisonous chemicals. But how about a healthy person's blood? Two independent teams of scientists report that bodily fluids carry chemical cocktails that include toxic metals, artificial hormones, and ingredients of plastics, flame retardants, pesticides, herbicides, and disinfectants. "The bottom line of both studies is that a whole raft of synthetic chemicals that simply did not exist 40 or 50 years ago is now in the bodies and in the bloodstreams of most Americans," says pediatrician Philip J. Landrigan of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
        The studies--one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and the other from the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C.--focused on determining the prevalence in the body, or the so-called body burden, of more than 100 chemicals. Neither group specifically assessed the chemicals' health effects.
        Nevertheless, environmental-health scientists who reviewed the new caches of data told Science News that they carry many disturbing implications. The pervasiveness of pollutants known to harm or suspected of harming health underscores the need for stronger regulations on chemicals, these scientists say. "As a society, we are still treating chemicals as if they are innocent until proven guilty," says Ana Soto, an endocrinologist at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
        In the CDC study, which cost $6.5 million, Jim Pirkle and his colleagues collected blood and urine samples from thousands of volunteers selected to form a demographic microcosm of U.S. residents. The researchers tested at least 2,500 volunteers for each of 116 contaminants. Of those chemicals, 89 had never been systematically measured in the U.S. population.
        The researchers' tests turned up all 116 pollutants, which include 13 metals, 14 combustion byproducts known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 10 byproducts of organophosphate pesticides. The scientists detected many of the substances in at least half the people they tested. These include 11 of the metals, 8 of the combustion byproducts, and 6 of the organophosphate pesticide byproducts, and 8 other pesticides, repellants, and herbicides.
        The study results indicate that about 425,000 children 1 to 5 years old nationwide have dangerously elevated blood-lead concentrations. Infants and children are thought to carry greater burdens of lead and many other pollutants than most adults because youngsters have different metabolic rates, have more contact with contaminated floors and ground, and are more likely to transfer harmful chemicals into their mouths. Furthermore, because pollutants in the body can harm development, fetuses and children are most at risk, says Lynn Goldman, an environmental health researcher at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
        Children and teenagers also have heavier burdens than older people of cotinine, a product of secondhand tobacco smoke, CDC finds. In the study, more than half of all nonsmokers in the United States older than 3 had detectable amounts of cotinine in their blood.
        The CDC data will help other environmental investigators identify groups of people that have received unusually high exposures to specific chemicals, Pirkle says. The CDC study itself found greater burdens of certain chemicals in Mexican Americans and blacks than in the population at large.

HEALTH ISSUES   Even people with typical exposures to the chemicals in the survey could face health risks from their body burden. Pirkle notes that in the 1970s, U.S. residents typically had amounts of lead in their blood that only later were deemed dangerous. "We would have been very wrong" to have assumed back then that an average lead burden was a safe burden, he says.
        That logic applies today to pollutants whose health effects are only beginning to be understood, other researchers say. In urine samples, CDC found ubiquitous evidence of 6 phthalates, chemicals unregulated in the United States and widely used in plastics and cosmetics (SN: 7/20/02, p. 36). "The [CDC's] phthalate data are truly frightening," says reproductive biologist Fred vom Saal of the University of Missouri in Columbia. "There is a clear and convincing set of animal data on the health hazards," which include cancer and reproductive abnormalities, he says.
        The body burdens of currently banned or restricted chemicals, such as DDT, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls, appear to have dropped since earlier studies. Those trends show that proper environmental regulation does work to reduce people's chemical burdens, says Jane Houlihan of the Environmental Working Group.
        In the second new study, Houlihan and her colleagues found 167 contaminants in blood and urine samples from nine adult volunteers without known unusual exposures to pollutants. Bisphenol A and flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which act like hormones in the body, were among numerous synthetic compounds that these scientists detected but that weren't assessed by CDC. Some of Houlihan's data appeared in the July-August 2002 Public Health Reports; her group released the full report in a press briefing on Jan. 30.
        Certain consumer choices may cut individuals' chemical exposures. Children who eat organically grown fruits and vegetables have only one-sixth the concentrations of organophosphate pesticide byproducts in their urine as children who eat conventionally grown produce have, says Cynthia L. Cud of the University of Washington in Seattle. She and her colleagues report that finding in the March Environmental Health Perspectives.

                The topic of mercury fillings has aroused much curiosity and controversy over the past several decades. Dentists have for many years denied any links between dental amalgam fillings and disease and have maintained that the mercury in dental fillings is 'made safe' by the metals surrounding the mercury and that the teeth are sealed off from being poisoned by mercury. So is this metal a toxic poison, or is the whole thing a storm in a teacup?
                Historically, amalgam was discovered at the end of the 19th century as a cheap alternative to gold for dental fillings, despite being debated amongst dentists who wished for it not to be brought onto the market. However, as gold was considered too expensive and lead too dangerous, amalgam was employed as a replacement in Britain in 1819 and in the U.S. in 1820.
                Many studies have now demonstrated undeniable links between many and varied symptoms of disease and mercury poisoning. According to McTaggart, dentists have placed permanently in our mouths one of the most toxic substances ever known to man!
                Amalgam fillings are made up of 52% mercury, the remainder being copper, zinc, tin and silver. Amalgam literally means 'mixed with mercury'. In 1993, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report evaluating the safety of dental amalgam. The report claimed that small amounts of mercury vapour are released from fillings and can be absorbed by the body and this could cause 'small symptoms' in 'a rare group of allergic individuals'. However, they denied that the removal of all fillings was a necessary action for the public at large.
                In 1997, Sweden banned dental amalgam filings, and in the year 2000 Austria was destined to do the same.*¹ In recent years, Degussa, one of the world's largest manufacturers of dental amalgam, announced that they are stopping the production of amalgam for fear of potential lawsuits. This is major because it represented 50% of the Company's turnover.
                The World Health Organisation in recent years, after studies, announced that we receive between 3 and 17mcg of daily intake of mercury from our fillings.*² Dr Freiberg, who was involved in the study, was reported as saying that 'there is no safe level of mercury'. In fact, the Toxicity Centre in Tennessee classes mercury as 1600 and plutonium as 1900, which is the most deadly. This places mercury as one of the most deadly poisons known to man.
                Numerous studies show that mercury gets released as you chew and particularly when you consume foods which are hot or acidic. Although some studies concerning mercury toxicity have been carried out on animals, which, of course, prove nothing about humans, there have also been studies on humans via autopsies, etc. In fact, the toxicity of mercury is revealed by the fact that autopsies on dentists have shown that they have higher than normal concentrations of mercury in their pituitary gland and have double the number of brain tumours. Also, female dentists and personnel are three times more likely to have sterility, stillbirth and miscarriage and all dentist employees have a higher than normal concentration of mercury in their CNS, kidneys, and endocrine system according to McTaggart. *³
                Signs of mercury poisoning are varied and there are possible links with Multiple Sclerosis and ME, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Auto-Immune disease, pregnancy complications, hair loss, cancer, mental disorders, especially manic depression, allergies, infertility, leukaemia and gut problems. In one study in Sweden, the mercury levels of MS patients were on average 7.5 times higher than the control group. Dr Kingsley and Hal Huggins (a dentist and researcher) found that they almost always find evidence of mercury toxicity when treating MS and cancer patients.
                When the fillings are ground, as happens when chewing, some mercury does escape as vapour, and this can enter the saliva and be swallowed, and can be converted to methyl mercury, by the action of bacteria in the mouth and in the gut. Methyl mercury is much more toxic than elemental mercury. As there is more than one metal in the mouth and there is saliva, a small but measurable electric current is continually generated in the mouth. This is something which gradually corrodes the amalgam.
                Dr McIntyre and many other researchers suggest that mercury toxicity may contribute to damage to the immune system and increase susceptibility to immune system dysfunctions. Frequently, mercury poisoning causes unexplained chronic fatigue (ME symptoms). Huggins argues that 90% of his 2,000 patients had ME-like symptoms which improved when the fillings were removed. He argues that mercury interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells. In fact, he states that in tests this oxygen-carrying ability was reduced to half what it should be. This explains why some patients are so chronically tired. In fact, a researcher from Stockholm, Stortebecker, has also revealed that mercury travels through the nasal passages and gets into the brain. The brain seems to have an affinity to mercury.
                Joel Berger argues that there is no such thing as a stable mercury filling. Each one will leak mercury in every direction. This can be in to the body of the tooth, the gums, the nose and brain, into the saliva and the bloodstream, etc. Mercury can also migrate through the tooth itself (not just through the vapour). "We are dealing with a known and proven poison" he says.
                Sam Ziff argues that mercury vapour has the ability to penetrate rapidly into all tissues, which results in initial accumulations in the brain which are very high in comparison to the uniform distribution elsewhere. As far as excretion is concerned, normally excretion patterns allow mercury to accumulate in the kidneys as it is released out from other tissues. The brain concentrations, however, remain relatively high as its release is relatively slow. In fact, one study on an autopsied individual revealed that 13 years after their exposure to mercury, the person's brain still contained mercury toxicity, and other cases have shown mercury toxicity in brain areas lasting at least ten years after their last exposure to mercury.
                For further information, why not read the excellent book by Sam Ziff entitled 'Silver Dental Fillings, the Toxic Timebomb'?

*¹ Actually the Medical Devices Directive at an EU level has so far stopped various countries from completing their
intended ban – Sweden by 1997, Denmark by 1999, Finland by 2000 and Austria by 2000.

*² This was stated to be the single largest source of mercury intake, above fish and seafood (2.3mcg) and other food (0.3mcg).

*³ Mercury toxicity also has a high statistical correlation with suicide rates. Dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession.

Mercury Toxicity Archives - Class Action Lawsuit April 24, 2001
Posted by MAI on June 06, 2001 at 02:27:28: Class Action Lawsuit April 24, 2001

Mechanisms Documented by Which Mercury from Amalgam Dental Fillings and Vaccinations Are a Cause or Major Factor in Over 40 Chronic Health Conditions; Class Action Suits for Damages Expected to Total in the Billions of Dollars Announced in Washington, D.C.

A coalition of doctors, dentists, lawyers, health advocates, and environmentalists are releasing information on April 24th in Washington DC, documenting that millions of people have been adversely affected by mercury in dental fillings and vaccinations. Lawyers are announcing class action lawsuits expected to involve billions of dollars in adverse effects and comparable to tobacco.

Research including over 1000 peer-reviewed or government studies has been accumulated from the medical literature documenting the mechanism by which mercury causes over 40 chronic health conditions including:

(a) periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, oral lichen planus, amalgam tattoos, metal mouth, halitosis, oral keratosis (pre cancer);

(b) immune system conditions such as allergies asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, eczema, psoriasis, other skin conditions; cancer(breast,etc./ leukemia),susceptibility to infections, antibiotic resistant infection, sinus problems

(c) autoimmune problems such as arthritis, MS, Lou Gehrig's Disease(ALS), Parkinson's/ muscle tremor, Alzheimer's, muscular & joint pain /fibromyalgia, chron's disease, lupus, scleroderma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS), endometriosis , diabetes

(d) neurological and mood disorders including memory disorders, depression , schizophrenia , insomnia, anger, anxiety & mental confusion, neuropathy/paresthesia,
tinnitus, dizziness/vertigo, headaches/ migraines, epilepsy, ADD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, hearing loss, etc.

(e) cardiovascular conditions including tachycardia, angina, arteriosclerosis, other heart conditions, hypertension, and other blood conditions

(f) hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, chronic chills, Hashimoto's Disease, alopecia/hair loss, urinary/ prostrate problems,

(g) reproductive problems such as infertility, reduced sperm counts, PMS, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, children with learning disabilities and low IQ, etc.

(h) chronic eye conditions: inflammation/iritis/ astigmatism/myopia /cataracts/macula degeneration , color blindness, vision disturbances, etc.

(i) stomach/digestive problems including leaky gut, malabsorption of essential minerals and essential fatty acids, blocked cellular enzymatic processes related to the ATPASE energy function and sulfur oxidation. There are extensive documented cases (many thousands) where removal of amalgam fillings led to cure or significant improvement of these serious health problems. Over 60,000 such clinical cases are compiled in the documentation as followed and compiled by doctors. The over 60,000 cases of cure or significant improvements were not isolated cases of cures; the clinical studies indicated a large majority of most such type cases treated showed significant improvement.

Mercury's extreme cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity is a major factor in the neurological conditions, along with its inhibition of basic enzymatic cellular processes and effects on essential minerals and nutrients in cells. Mercury is also documented to cause imbalances in neurotransmitters related to mood disorders. A direct mechanism involving mercury's inhibition of cellular enzymatic processes by binding with the hydroxyl radical (SH) in amino acids appears to be a major part of the connection to allergic/immune reactive conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, lupus, eczema and psoriasis, scleroderma, and allergies. Immune reactivity to mercury has been documented by immune reactivity tests to be a major factor in many of the autoimmune conditions.

The over 1000 peer reviewed studies mostly either Government studies or abstracted in the National Library of Medicine(www.nlm.nih.gov/) document that most people
with several amalgam dental fillings get significant daily exposure to mercury that is the largest source of mercury exposure for most people and often above the Government health guideline for mercury. The reason for the high exposure levels from amalgam are mercury's negative vapor pressure that means it is constantly vaporizing, along with galvanic electric currents caused by mixed metals in the mouth that drive mercury and other metals into the body. These are easily measured which has been widely documented.

The studies also document that mercury from amalgam or other sources such as fish crosses a woman's placenta readily and accumulates to levels in the fetus at levels
usually higher than in the mother. And that mercury in the mother is transfered at significant levels to a breastfeeding infant. The fact that children have been exposed to levels of highly toxic mercury thimerosal in vaccinations well beyond Government health guidelines for mercury is also well documented. Studies document that such mercury exposures can cause developmental conditions and disorders such as autism, ADD, learning disabilities, etc. The referenced medical studies also document the
mechanism by which mercury from amalgam or vaccines cause the above listed conditions, and over 60,000 clinical cases of amalgam replacement that resulted in significant improvement or cure of the above listed conditions.

The studies also document that due to the high daily exposure from amalgam people excrete high amounts of mercury into home and office sewers which cause levels in
sewer plants to be high enough to contaminate with mercury most of the water bodies they empty into to the extent that fish and wildlife are contaminated with dangerous levels of mercury. Over 20% of the lakes, all Great lakes, 7% of U.S. river miles, and many bays are contaminated to the extent warnings have been issued to not eat the fish. Amalgam is documented to be a major source of mercury in many water bodies.

References
(1) Autism, ADD, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders: the Mercury Connection, www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexk.html (over 100 PR studies)
(2) Developmental Effects of Mercury on Infants. www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/fetaln.html
(3) Common Exposure Levels and Adverse Health Effects from Amalgam Fillings, and 60,000 clinical cases of amalgam replacement followed by doctors http://www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html (over 1000 Peer Reviewed studies)
(4) Oral Galvanism: the Battery in Our Mouth, www.home.earthlink.net/~
(5) DAMS, The Environmental Effects of Amalgam Affect Everyone; www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr2s.html
(6) Lou Gehrig's Disease(ALS), MS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS), Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Parkinson's, and
Alzheimers Disease: the Mercury Connection, www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html
Technical contact: B. Windham, 850-878-9024
Local contact: berniew1@earthlink.net
http://www.melisa.org

Source: http://www.beatcfsandfms.org/html/HgRootCause.html

This describes theoretically how a tiny bit of mercury can be a root cause to CFS/FMS.

1) Low Level Mercury Enters Body
The little mercury molecule is close to the bottom of the periodic table, which means it is very heavy, with 80 protons and neutrons in it's nucleus. This molecule is considered a poison by the Center for Disease Control and by the FDA. It is poisonous because it binds to other things in the body, and then inactivates or changes what they were doing. This molecule enters the body from 2 sources. One is dental amalgam (metal cavity filling in teeth), as noted in REFERENCE #7 and the other is from saltwater fish, which absorb it from water pollution.

The mercury dental amalgam is 200,000 ppm (parts per million) mercury, whereas the FDA says that more than 1 ppm mercury in food is no good. And the dental amalgam wears out and disappears over time, therefore requiring refilling of the cavity. And since our oceans are full of mercury from dumping waste products into the ocean, mercury is known to be in fish. Mercury can easily be measured using scientific instruments, and can therefore be detected in tissues, liquids, and solids; including things like urine, and organs from dead bodies. And this instrumentation can easily measure levels of mercury in fish (i.e. number of micrograms of mercury for each gram of fish), and is more often than not seen in saltwater fish (freshwater is ok).

An interesting study was done by Dr. Lorscheider who placed mercury fillings in sheep and in monkey, and then let them chew on them for several weeks. He then ground up the organs of these sheep and some control sheep that did not receive the amalgam (after sacrificing the animals), and found mercury molecules in almost every organ. For details, please see REFERENCE #7. He proved to the world that mercury molecules to can enter the organs from dental fillings.

2) Mercury Impairs The Immune System
Mercury molecules inactive a part of the immune system called Neutrophils. These are responsible for killing fungi inside the body (i.e. blood and soft tissues) that originate from places like the small intestine REFERENCE #1. Measuring Neutrophils function is very difficult, since a blood sample must be analyzed several hours after being drawn. Subsequently, very few Docs measure this. REFERENCE #2 shows how mercury can impair leukocytes, another part of the immune system that fights fungi. In our example case involving George, an immune test showed decrease leukocytes function. For details, click here.

3) With an Impaired Immune System, Fungi Grow Internally
It is well known in medicine that fungi cannot activate unless the immune system is impaired in some way (e.g. leukemia), and if someone does not have an obviously impaired immune system, then the traditional Doc will not think fungi. This is why Docs have not focused more on fungi. They are taught, if the patient does not have obvious external signs of fungi or does not have an impaired immune system (e.g. low white blood cell count, AIDS), then they should not think fungi.

One way to see fungi internally is a fungi antibody test, which shows soldiers in the blood that attack a specific type of fungi. Antibody tests have many false negatives, since they only test for a handful of specific fungi, and there are many possible types of fungi that can enter a body. This compounds the difficulty in implicating fungi in disease. In our example case, George had a very high antibody level to a fungi called Pullaria Pullans, as noted here.

4) Fungi Affix to Tissues And are Attacked By Immune System
Fungi, once in the blood, can go anywhere including soft tissues and joints. They can then be attacked by the immune system causing inflammation and pain. A good way to test for internal inflammation is a Sedimentation blood test.

5) Mercury Encourages Leaky Gut
Mercury can also inactivate enzymes in the liver, inhibiting it's ability to filter the blood. When this occurs, more waste products build within the body (the liver's job is to filter the natural waste products secreted by the body's cells), and the immune system becomes more sensitive, causing it to attack things which are not harmful (i.e. allergies). And when allergies develop to foods, the gut can be attacked by the immune system, and the person can develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). And then the small intestine wall inflames and becomes permeable to the large bacteria and fungi molecules in the gut, which leak into the blood, challenging the immune system further, making one more allergic, and inducing Fibromyalgia pain after they affix to joints and soft tissues.

6) Mercury Impairs The Manufacture of Blood
A study by Dr. James Woods published in the Journal of Toxicology 1993 REFERENCE #5 showed that mercury can inactivate the liver enzymes that are used in the manufacture of a precursor to blood called HEME, and this disrupts one's ability to generate energy. More specifically he showed that mercury can disrupt the Coproporphyrin III Porphyrin step. In our example case, George's Coproporphyrin III level was out of range, as shown here. There are very few things that cause this abnormal range yet do not affect other porphyrins (there are a total of 9 of them); therefore, this test is sometimes viewed as a biomarker for mercury. In other words, one an run this test and see if mercury had been in the body in the past, to the extent that it was able to disrupt this enzyme. If so, it probably did other deeds as well. For more information on how mercury can affect the blood, search "woods AND mercury" or "Aposhian AND mercury" at www.infotrieve.com/freemedline.

7) Mercury Impairs DBH, used to make Noradrenaline
There is evidence that mercury can block the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) enzyme as noted in REFERENCE #8. DBH is used to make the noradrenaline (NA) neurotransmitter and low NA can cause fatigue and depression. Mercury molecules can block all copper catalyzed dithiolane oxidases, such as coproporphyrin oxidase (resulting in low copro III seen w/ Porphyrin Analysis) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Low VMA, a by-product of NA, can be seen with a 24hr Organic Acids test. A low VMA level implicates low NA, which implicates low DBH, which implicates mercury (just implications, not conclusions, since other things can cause problems here as well). In our example case, George's VMA was close to 0, as shown here. Mercury can also clog the NA alpha-1 receptors, which reduces NA communication, and results in fatigue. Additionally, mercury can clog seratonin 5-HT2 receptors, impair astrocytic dopamine uptake, impair acetylcholine estererase, and impair cholinergic metabolism.

8) Heavy Metals Can Disrupt Sleep The Cycle
The Melatonin hormone controls the sleep/no sleep states. If Melatonin is on in the day, one will feels tired. If it is off at night, one cannot sleep (it should be the other way around). Too much noradrenaline (NA) at night can also inhibit the sleep state. A chemical called SAMe reduces the level of NA at night; yet mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium and a variety of other chemicals can bind to SAMe and make it less affective at reducing the night-time NA. If this is the case, supplementing with SAMe, available from health food stores, can help one sleep. In our example case, George's Melatonin was off at night, and on during the day, which is the opposite of what one would want. Those with mercury induced autoimmune problems can worsen from Melatonin supplements, and therefore Melatonin supplementation is not recommended for people with mercury issues.

H2S Is Similar To Mercury

H2S (hydrogen sulfide) is very similar to mercury, in that it can bind to many of the things that mercury binds to. In other words, all the bad things that mercury can do, as described above, H2S can do. H2S is a toxin that is created when sugar is fermented in the small intestine due to harmful bacteria or yeast. Therefore, a problem in the gut can cause problems similar to that caused by mercury.

©Copyright 1999 gsw. All rights reserved.

REFERENCE #1
Title: Polymorphonuclear phagocytosis and killing workers exposed to inorganic mercury.
Perlingeiro RC; Queiroz ML
Department of Pharmacology and Hemocentre, State University of Campinas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNICAMP, SP, Brazil.
Int J Immunopharmacol, 1994 Dec, 16:12, 1011-7
The ability of neutrophils to phagocytose and kill Candida species as well as the splenic phagocytic function were investigated in workers from a mercury-producing plant. In the neutrophil phagocytosis study, two species of Candida were used since in individuals with myeloperoxidase deficiency neutrophils are unable to kill Candida albicans, while Candida pseudotropicalis can be effectively lysed. Phagocytosis of both antigens and splenic phagocytic function were normal in all the workers studied. However, following ingestion of the organisms there was considerable reduction in the ability of neutrophils from exposed workers to kill both species of Candida, and this was not explained by a mild impairment of phagocytosis. After improvement in the hygiene conditions in the factory, a new evaluation was performed, 6 months later, in the same workers and urinary mercury concentrations were determined monthly in each worker. Despite a significant reduction in urinary mercury concentrations, a greater impairment in the ability of neutrophils to kill C. albicans was observed. The killing of C. pseudotropicalis presented no further impairment when compared to the previous evaluation. These results suggest that impairment of the lytic activity of neutrophils from workers with urinary mercury concentrations within the safe level for exposed population is due, at least in part, to some interference with myeloperoxidase activity. In addition, the mercury-NADPH complex, once formed, could limit the utilization of reduced pyridine nucleotides by NADPH-dependent enzymes such as NADPH oxidase, thereby inhibiting the PMN respiratory burst.

REFERENCE #2
Title : Effects of mercury on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in vitro.
Author: Contrino J; Marucha P; Ribaudo R; Ference R; Bigazzi PE; Kreutzer DL
Address: Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
Source: Am J Pathol, 1988 Jul, 132:1, 110-8
Abstract: A variety of heavy metals are recognized as environmental pollutants, and although a significant body of literature exists on the acute toxicity of these metals in various tissues, little is known about the effects of metals such as mercury on host defense. Therefore, the effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) function in vitro was evaluated. The acute toxicity of HgCl2 for human PMN was calculated initially using vital dye exclusion (trypan blue), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Concentrations of HgCl2 less than or equal to 10(-6) M did not induce significant LDH release, or uptake of trypan blue. Additionally, HgCl2 at less than or equal to 10(-7) M produced no ultrastructural alterations in the PMN. The effects of HgCl2 on human PMN functions involved in host defense were evaluated next. HgCl2 consistently suppressed human PMN adherence, polarization, chemotaxis, and erythrophagocytosis at concentrations between 10(-6) and 10(-17) M. Because of the established role of oxygen metabolites in host defense, the effects of HgCl2 on human PMN chemiluminescence and H2O2 production were evaluated next. These studies demonstrated that low concentrations of HgCl2 (ie, 10(-9)-10(-15) M) significantly enhanced chemiluminescence, as well as stimulated H2O2 production by the PMN. These studies clearly demonstrate the ability of extremely low levels of HgCl2 not only to suppress various PMN functions involved in host defense, but also to stimulate oxygen metabolism. In vivo, these HgCl2 effects would not only compromise host defense but also promote tissue injury via the local production of oxygen metabolites.

REFERENCE #3
Title: Chronic intestinal candidiasis as a possible etiological factor in the chronic fatigue syndrome.
Author: Cater RE 2nd
Source: Med Hypotheses, 44(6):507-15 1995 Jun
Abstract: The chronic candidiasis syndrome, also known as the Candida-related complex, putatively caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the gastrointestinal tract and secondarily in the genital organs, is briefly described. Patients with this disorder have many of the same symptoms as those with the chronic fatigue syndrome, except for the recurrent flu-like symptoms of the latter disorder. The positive response of a large number of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to an oral antifungal agent and a diet for intestinal candidiasis has been described by another clinician. There is evidence that Candida albicans infection of the mucous membranes depresses T cell and natural killer (NK) cell function. Similar abnormalities of immune function are found in the CFS. The function of cytotoxic T cells, T helper cells, and NK cells is important in preventing reactivation of infections from Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and other herpesviruses. Reactivation of one or more of these viruses could lead to the expression of the flu-like symptoms in the CFS. Yet the immune dysfunction found in this disorder has been considered the primary underlying causal factor. It is proposed that chronic intestinal candidiasis may be an agent which leads to immune depression in many CFS patients and therefore that it could be a causal factor in CFS.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 96038377
MESH Headings: Antifungal Agents TU ; Candida albicans GD/IP ; Candidiasis DT/IM/*PP ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic DT/*ET/MI ; Human ; Intestinal Diseases DT/IM/*MI/PP ; Models, Biological ; Virus Activation
Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN: 0306-9877
Country of Publication: ENGLAND
CAS Registry Number: 0 (Antifungal Agents)

REFERENCE #4
Title: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis related to a covered and heated swimming pool environment.
Author: Moreno-Ancillo A; Vicente J; Gomez L; Mart´in Barroso JA; Barranco P; Caba~nas R; L´opez-Serrano MC
Address: Section of Allergology, La Paz General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Source: Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 114(2):205-6 1997 Oct
Abstract: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a lung disease caused by a large group of inhaled antigens of various sources. The most common HP occurring in the farm environment is classically caused by exposure to various thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi that can grow in the farm environment. Pullularia species and thermophilic actinomycetes have been involved in HP related to humidifier water and saunas. Our case illustrates the value of a site visit in the diagnosis of HP. During a visit to the covered and heated swimming-pool where our patient used to swim we could see that favourable conditions to fungal growth existed. To determine the possible aetiological agents of a suspected HP, cultures from several parts of the swimming-pool were taken. These cultures showed an intense growth of thermophilic actinomycetes, Neurospora and Aspergillus species. Precipitating antibodies against Neurospora species and Mycropolyspora faeni were detected. A case of HP related to a covered and heated swimming-pool environment is reported. Thermophilic actinomycetes and Neurospora species may be the causing agents.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 97478321
MESH Headings: Actinomycetales IP ; Adult ; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic DI/*ET ; Antibodies, Fungal BL ;: Case Report ; Environmental Microbiology ; Fungi IM/IP ; Heating ; Human ; Male ; Precipitin: Tests ; Swimming Pools *
Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN: 1018-2438
Country of Publication: SWITZERLAND
CAS Registry Number: 0 (Antibodies, Fungal)

REFERENCE #5
Title: Altered porphyrin metabolism as a biomarker of mercury exposure and toxicity.
Author: Woods JS
Address: Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Source: Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 74(2):210-5 1996 Feb
Abstract: Changes in urinary porphyrin excretion patterns (porphyrin profiles) have been described in response to a variety of drugs and chemicals. The present studies were conducted to define the specific changes in the urinary porphyrin profile associated with prolonged exposure to mercury and mercury compounds. In rats, exposure for a prolonged period to mercury as methyl mercury hydroxide was associated with urinary porphyrin changes, which were uniquely characterized by highly elevated levels of 4- and 5-carboxyl porphyrins and by the expression of an atypical porphyrin ("precoproporphyrin") not found in urine of unexposed animals. These distinct changes in urinary porphyrin concentrations were observed as early as 1-2 weeks after initiation of mercury exposure, and increased in a dose- and time-related fashion with the concentration of mercury in the kidney, a principal target organ of mercury compounds. Following cessation of mercury exposure, urinary porphyrin concentrations reverted to normal levels, consistent with renal mercury clearance. In human studies, a comparable change in the urinary porphyrin profile was observed among subjects with occupational exposure to mercury as mercury vapor sufficient to elicit urinary mercury levels greater than 20 micrograms/L. Urinary porphyrin profiles were also shown to correlate significantly with mercury body burden and with specific neurobehavioral deficits associated with low level mercury exposure. These findings support the utility of urinary porphyrin profiles as a useful biomarker of mercury exposure and potential health effects in human subjects.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 96303184
MESH Headings: Adult ; Animal ; Biological Markers UR ; Central Nervous System Diseases CI/UR ; Chelating Agents PD ; Comparative Study ; Dentistry ; Environmental Monitoring ; Human ; Male ; Mercury *AE/*TO/UR ; Methylmercury Compounds TO ; Occupational Exposure *AE ; Porphyrins *UR ; Rats ; Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. ; United States ; Unithiol PD

REFERENCE #6
Thursday October 15 5:56 PM EDT
Chronic fatigue syndrome common in US
NEW YORK, Oct 15 (Reuters) -- Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious public health concern, affecting about 500,000 Americans, according to a new survey by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
The study shows that the disorder occurs in both sexes and all racial and ethnic groups, but is most common in Caucasian women. The rate of chronic fatigue syndrome is ``25 times the rate of AIDS among women... and is considerably higher than female lung cancer... breast cancer... and hypertension,'' said Dr. William C. Reeves, lead author of the study and director of the Viral Exanthems and Herpesvirus Branch of the CDC's National Center for Infectious Disease.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) include debilitating fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain, recurrent headaches, sleep disorders, and fatigue lasting more than 24 hours after exertion. Symptoms must persist for 6 months and there must be no other medical explanation for the symptoms in order for physicians to diagnose CFS.
The cause of the syndrome has yet to be determined. While some believe the ailment has a physical basis, others speculate that psychological problems may trigger the disorder.
To determine the prevalence of CFS, Reeves and his colleagues at the CDC conducted a telephone poll involving residents of over 34,000 households in Sedgwick County, Kansas. Respondents were asked to answer a series of detailed questions about their personal medical histories.
Based on the survey results, the authors estimate that about 183 of every 100,000 adult US citizens has a constellation of symptoms fitting the definition of CFS.
The CFS incidence among women is 303/100,000, the researchers report. They found that disease rates were highest of all among white women, at 458/100,000.
Reeves believes that these rates are comparatively high in relation to the incidence of other diseases in the population. For example, he noted that ``three times more women have CFS than HIV infection.''
``This study indicates that CFS affects women and men of all racial and ethnic groups, as well as adolescents,''Reeves said. ''However, white women have the greatest risk for disease and this must be taken into account in planning allocation of health resources and searching for risk factors.''
There are currently no effective treatments for CFS, although one drug, Ampligen, is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration.
For more information about the illness, the advocacy group Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America can be accessed at www.cfids.org.

REFERENCE #7
Title: Whole-body imaging of the distribution of mercury released from dental fillings into monkey tissues [see comments]
Author: Hahn LJ; Kloiber R; Leininger RW; Vimy MJ; Lorscheider FL
Address: Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, Alberta, Canada.
Source: FASEB J, 4(14):3256-60 1990 Nov
Abstract: The fate of mercury (Hg) released from dental "silver amalgam tooth fillings into human mouth air is uncertain. A previous report about sheep revealed uptake routes and distribution of amalgam Hg among body tissues. The present investigation demonstrates the bodily distribution of amalgam Hg in a monkey whose dentition, diet, feeding regimen, and chewing pattern closely resemble those of humans. When amalgam fillings, which normally contain 50% Hg, are made with a tracer of radioactive 203Hg and then placed into monkey teeth, the isotope appears in high concentration in various organs and tissues within 4 wk. Whole-body images of the monkey revealed that the highest levels of Hg were located in the kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and jaw. The dental profession's advocacy of silver amalgam as a stable tooth restorative material is not supported by these findings.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 91032709
MESH Headings: Animal ; Comparative Study ; Dental Amalgam * ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Gastrointestinal System ME ; Jaw ME ; Kidney ME ; Macaca fascicularis ; Male ; Mercury *PK ; Mercury Radioisotopes ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Tissue Distribution ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN: 0892-6638
Country of Publication: UNITED STATES
CAS Registry Number: 0 (Mercury Radioisotopes); 7439-97-6 (Mercury); 8049-85-2 (Dental Amalgam)

REFERENCE #8
Re: Dopamine beta hydroxylase and poisons ( lead, mercury, manganese etc. )
Title: Biochemical markers of neurotoxicity. A review of mechanistic studies and applications.
Author ": Manzo L; Artigas F; Martínez E; Mutti A; Bergamaschi E; Nicotera P; Tonini M; Candura SM; Ray DE; Costa LG
Address: Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, Italy.
Source: Hum Exp Toxicol, 1996 Mar, 15 Suppl 1:, S20-35
Abstract: Neurotoxicology presents major challenges to the development of biological markers in accordance to conventional research strategies. Because of the inaccessibility of the nervous system, one of the proposed alternatives is the study of biochemical signals in peripheral tissues which can easily and ethically be obtained in humans, and which could represent surrogate indicators of equivalent parameters in the nervous tissue. Considerable scientific support to this approach is provided by the results of recent investigations in major areas of pharmacology and psychobiology. Studies examining parameters of neurotransmission and second messenger systems in peripheral blood cells, and variations in the peripheral body fluid content of endogenous substances reflecting nervous tissue dysfunction or damage are presented in this paper as examples of efforts toward rational development and validation of novel indicators of nervous system toxicity. Cholinergic muscarinic receptors and calcium signalling in peripheral blood lymphocytes, myelin basic protein in cerebrospinal fluid, and blood polyamines are discussed as potential surrogate indicators based on the results of in vitro or in vivo animal studies of neurotoxic metals (mercury, triethyltin), pesticides (disulfoton), drugs of abuse (d-fenfluramine) and model epileptogenic compounds (kainic acid). Data from investigations examining serum prolactin, type B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in workers occupationally exposed to manganese, lead or styrene are also presented. Although research in this field is still at its very early stage, current evidence suggests that (i) certain neurochemical markers may be valuably used in animal studies as a complement to conventional laboratory tests to augment their sensitivity or predictivity; (ii) a mechanistic research approach is required to establish which markers offer the greatest promise for application in human biomonitoring.

REFERENCE #9
To see how similar Gulf War Syndrome is to Chronic Fatigue, click here to view a comparison of symptoms in approximately 650 Desert Storm veterans suffering from Desert Storm Illness with symptoms of CFIDS. References:
1) Shafran S. The chronic fatigue syndrome. Am J Med. 1991;90:730-739. and
2) Bell DS. Chronic fatigue syndrome update. Postgrad Med. 1994;96:73-81.

REFERENCE #10
Title: Use of modafinil in the treatment of narcolepsy: a long term follow-up study.
Author: Besset A; Chetrit M; Carlander B; Billiard M
Address: Service de neurologie B, h^opital Gui-de-Chauliac, Montpellier, France.
Source: Neurophysiol Clin, 26(1):60-6 1996

Abstract: One hundred and forty patients (104 male and 36 female) aged 42.26 +/- 19.19 (range = 8 to 79.5 years) with narcolepsy-cataplexy were given modafinil (200 to 400 mg) at the Montpellier sleep disorders center from 1984 onwards. The follow-up focused on the reduction of excessive daytime somnolence (EDS), side effects and duration of treatment. In order to determine if any clinical aspect of narcolepsy could be involved in modafinil discontinuation, patients were divided into two groups according to continued or interrupted treatment. When modafinil effect on EDS was evaluated according to a scale varying from 0 (no effect) to 3 (excellent effect), 64.1% of the subjects, scored good or excellent. The mean duration of treatment was 22.05 months +/- 24.9, ranging from 1 to 114 months. Dependency signs were never observed.
Unique Identifier: 96242696

Publication Type: CLINICAL TRIAL; JOURNAL ARTICLE ISSN: 0987-7053 Country of Publication: NETHERLANDS
CAS Registry Number: 0 (Benzhydryl Compounds); 0 (Central Nervous System Stimulants); 68693-11-8 (modafinil)

Results of dental amalgam removal and mercury detoxification using DMPS and neural therapy.

Kidd RF.
Altern Ther Health Med. 2000 Jul;6(4):49-55

Sixty consecutive patients who had undergone replacement of dental amalgam fillings and a protocol of nutritional support and heavy metal detoxification using dimercapto-propanyl-sulfate and neural therapy were surveyed. A questionnaire was mailed to the patients and 42 responded, resulting in a response rate of 70%. The reasons for undergoing treatment were many, ranging from a patient's desire to avoid potential health problems in the future to treatment of serious current disease. Although medical diagnoses were made when possible before treatment, this survey studied only the patients' estimations of their most distressing symptoms and their evaluations of response to treatment. The most common complaints were problems with memory and/or concentration; muscle and/or joint pain; anxiety and insomnia; stomach, bowel, and bladder complaints; depression; food or chemical sensitivities; numbness or tingling; and eye symptoms, in descending order of frequency. The most distressing symptoms were headache and backache, fatigue, and memory and concentration problems. Headache and backache responded best to treatment, but all symptoms showed considerable improvement on average. Of the respondents, 78% reported that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the results of treatment, and 9.5% reported that they were disappointed.

PMID: 10895513 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Removal of toxic metals may be one of the most important keys to restoring proper immune function. Amazingly, allergies were never reported before the Industrial Revolution (Mynind N., History of Allergy. In: Essential Allergy – An Illustrated Text for Students and Specialists. Boston: Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1986:1-9). The theory is that massive coal burning polluted the environment with mercury and other toxins, which confuse and weaken the immune system, inducing allergies.

According to the World Health Organization, our largest exposure to mercury today is from our dental amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury. Please do not allow any dentist to place additional mercury-amalgam fillings in your teeth (see http://www.bioprobe.com or call The Foundation for Toxic-Free Dentistry @ 1-800-331-2303).

Consider testing yourself for levels of toxic metals. Blood tests are virtually useless for chronic toxicity. Hair analysis can give some useful clues. The gold standard is to measure urine levels of toxic metals after a chelation challenge, which pulls toxic metals out of your body and into your urine, thus giving a good estimate of your total body burden (Annals Int Med 1999;130:7-13).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Scleroderma, and Lupus: The Mercury Connection

Source: http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3305

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) is characterized by fatigue, neurologic symptoms including headaches, brain fog, mood disorders, and motor dysfunction. Spect scans of those with CFS have found that the majority have over 5 times more areas of regional brain damage and reduced blood flow in the cerebral cortex area of the brain(471) than controls.

The majority studied were also found to have increased Th2 inflammatory cytokine activity and a blunted DHEA response curve to I.V. ATCH indicative of hypothalamic/adrenal deficiency such as relative glucocorticoid deficiency(472). CFS and fibromyalgia patients have also been found to commonly have abnormal enzymatic processes that affect the sodium-potassium ATPase energy channels(473), which appears to be a major factor in the condition and for which mercury is a known cause(43,288).

This also has been found to result in inflammatory processes that cause muscle tissue damage and result in higher levels of urinary excretion of creatine, choline, and glycine in CFS, and higher levels of excretion of choline, taurine, citrate, and trimethyl amine oxide in FM(474).

Supplementation of creatine has been found to result in improved muscle mitochondrial function in such patients(502). A Swedish study found that in one county, 11.6% of women over 35 surveyed had symptoms of fibromyalgia, while 5.5% of men reported such symptoms(368).

The main factors determining whether chronic conditions are induced by metals appear to be exposure and genetic susceptibility, which determines an individual's immune sensitivity and ability to detoxify metals(405). Very low levels of exposure have been found to seriously affect relatively large groups of individuals who are immune sensitive to toxic metals, or have an inability to detoxify metals due to such as deficient sulfoxidation or metallothionein function, or other inhibited enzymatic processes related to detoxification or excretion of metals.

For those with chronic conditions, fatigue - regardless of the underlying disease, is primarily associated with hypersensitivity to inorganic and organic mercury, nickel, and gold(369,382).

Mercury (especially mercury vapor) rapidly crosses the blood brain barrier and is stored preferentially in the pituitary gland(14,327), hypothalamus(348c), thyroid gland(99), adrenal gland, and occipital cortex in direct proportion to the number and extent of amalgam surfaces(14,19,20,25,34,38,85,99,273,274,287,348,366). Thus, mercury has a greater effect on the functions of these areas. The range in one study was 2.4 to 28.7 ppb(85), and one study found on average that 77% of the mercury in the occipital cortex was inorganic(363).

A direct mechanism involving mercury's inhibition of cellular enzymatic processes by binding with the hydroxyl radical(SH) in amino acids, appears to be a major part of the connection to allergic/immune reactive conditions such as lupus (330,331,468) and schleraderma(468), as well as CFS and FM that are also related to inflammatory cytokine processes and autoimmunity(181,314,405,500,).

One study found that insertion of amalgam fillings or nickel dental materials causes a suppression of the number of T-lymphocytes(270), and impairs the T-4/T-8 ratio. Low T4/T8 ratio has been found to be a factor in lupus, anemia, MS, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, and glomerulonephritis. Mercury induced autoimmunity in animals and humans has been found to be associated with mercury's expression of major histocompatibility complex(MHC) class II genes(314,181,226,425c). Both mercuric and methyl mercury chlorides caused dose dependent reduction in immune B-cell production.(316) B-cell expression of IgE receptors were significantly reduced(316,165), with a rapid and sustained elevation in intracellular levels of calcium induced(316,333).

Mercury and other toxic metals also form inorganic compounds with OH, NH2, CL, in addition to the SH radical and thus inhibits many cellular enzyme processes, coenzymes, hormones, and blood cells(405,500). Mercury has been found to impair conversion of thyroid T4 hormone to the active T3 form as well as causing autoimmune thyroiditis common to such patients(369,382).

In general, immune activation from toxic metals such as mercury resulting in cytokine release and abnormalities of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis, can cause changes in the brain, hypocortisolism, fatigue, and severe psychological symptoms (348,369,375,379-382,385,405,118), such as profound fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal and neurological problems as are seen in CFS, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Such hypersensitivity has been found most common in those with genetic predisposition to heavy metal sensitivity(60,313,342,369,405), such as found more frequently in patients with human lymphocyte antigens(HLA-DRA) (381-383). A significant portion of the population appear to fall in this category.

Mercury exposure through dental fillings appears to be a major factor in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) through its effects on ATP and the immune system(lymphocyte reactivity, neutraphil activity, effects on T-cells and B-cells), as well as its promotion of growth of candida albicans in the body, and the methylation of inorganic mercury by candida and intestinal bacteria, to the extremely toxic methyl mercury form, which like mercury vapor crosses the blood-brain barrier, and also damages and weakens the immune system (222,225,226,234,235, 265, 293,60,313,314,342,369,404).

Mercury vapor or inorganic mercury have been shown in animal studies to induce autoimmune reactions and disease through effects on immune system T-cells(226,268,269,270,314). Chronic immune activation is common in CFS, with an increase in activated CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, and decreased NK (Natural Killer) cells(518). CFS patients usually improve, and immune reactivity is reduced, when amalgam fillings are replaced(342,383,405).

Mercury lymphocyte reactivity, effects on glutamate in the CNS (Central Nervous System), and mercury induced hypothyroidism, induce CFS-type symptoms including profound tiredness, musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal and neurological problems, along with other CFS symptoms and fibromyalgia (342,346,369).

Mercury has been found to be a common cause of fibromyalgia(293,346, 369,523,527). Glutamate is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and in the CNS acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter (346,386), which also causes inflow of calcium. Astrocytes, a type of cell in the brain and CNS with the task of keeping clean the area around nerve cells and facilitating neurotransmission, have a function of neutralizing excess glutamate by transforming it to glutamic acid. If astrocytes are not able to rapidly neutralize excess glutamate, then a buildup of glutamate and calcium occurs, causing swelling and neurotoxic effects (119,333). Mercury and other toxic metals inhibit astrocyte function in the brain and CNS(119), causing increased glutamate and calcium related neurotoxicity(119,333,226), which are responsible for many of the fibromyalgia symptoms. This is also a factor in conditions such as CFS, Parkinson's, and ALS(346,416).

Animal studies have confirmed that increased levels of glutamate (or aspartate, another amino acid excitatory neurotransmitter), cause increased sensitivity to pain , as well as higher body temperature - both found in CFS/fibromyalgia. Mercury and increased glutamate activate free radical forming processes like xanthine oxidase which produce oxygen radicals and oxidative neurological damage(142,346,13). Medical studies and doctors treating fibromyalgia have found that supplements which cause a decrease in glutamate, or protect against its effects, have a positive effect on fibromyalgia. Some that have been found to be effective include vitamin B6, methylcobalamin(B12), L-carnitine, choline, ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, vitamins C and E, nicotine, and omega 3 fatty acids (fish and flaxseed oil-GLA,EPA,DHA)(417,229).

Other supplements that also have been found to help are magnesium and malic acid(488,489). Avoidance of excitotoxins like MSG and aspartame have been found to eliminate symptoms in some with fibromyalgia(490).

Clinical tests of patients with chronic neurological conditions, Lupus(SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis, have found that the patients generally have elevated plasma cysteine to sulphate ratios, with the average being 500%higher than controls (330,331,500,33e), and in general being poor sulphur oxidizers. This means that these patients have insufficient sulfates available to carry out necessary bodily processes.

Mercury has been shown to diminish and block sulphur oxidation, and thus reducing glutathione levels, which is the part of this process involved in detoxifying and excretion of toxics like mercury(33). Glutathione is produced through the sulphur oxidation side of this process. Low levels of available glutathione have been shown to increase mercury retention and increase toxic effects(111), while high levels of free cysteine have been demonstrated to make toxicity due to inorganic mercury more severe(333,194,33e). Mercury has also been found to play a part in inducing intolerance and neuronal problems through blockage of the P-450 liver enzymatic process(84,33e).

Mercury from amalgam interferes with production of cytokines that activate macrophage and neutraphils, disabling early control of viruses and leading to enhanced infection(131,251). Animal studies have confirmed that mercury increases effects of the herpes simplex virus type 2 for example(131).

Mercury damages the immune system, and in those with chronic conditions, has been found to commonly facilitate infestation by pathogens such as viruses, harmful bacteria, mycoplasma, candida, and parasites(131,251,404,460,470, 473,485). The majority of those tested who have CFS or fibromyalgia have been found to have infections of mycoplasma, Human Herpes Virus-6, Cytomegalovirus, or bacterial infections such as intracellular chlamydia(470).

Clinics treating these conditions commonly find such pathogens to be a factor in the condition(470,473,485,487,488). Mercury detoxification and treatment of these pathogens results in significant improvement in the majority of those treated (470,485,488,489,500).

It has been well documented by hundreds of medical studies including thousands of tested subjects, and by scientific panels, that "amalgam fillings" are the number one source of mercury in people, and that those with several amalgam fillings often have daily exposures exceeding the Government Health Standards for mercury(500).
Thus, among those most susceptible, significant neurological and immune effects related to amalgam fillings are common. Symptoms of those with CFS, fibromyalgia, or thyroid related conditions, usually improve significantly after proper amalgam replacement.

In thousands of cases undergoing amalgam replacement, the majority recovered or had significant improvement in symptoms for muscular/joint pain/fibromyalgia (222,293,317,322,369,440,469,470,523,527, 94), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(8,60,212,293,229,222, 232,233,271,313,317,320,342,369, 375,376,382,440,469,470,485), lupus(113,222, 229,233,323), autoimmune thyroiditis(382), as well as many other conditions(500).

Of one group of 86 patients with CFS symptoms, 78% reported significant health improvements after replacement of amalgam fillings within a relatively short period, and the MELISA immune reactivity test found significant reduction in lymphocute reactivity compared to pre removal tests(342,375).

The improvement in symptoms and lymphocute reactivity imply that most of the Hg-induced lymphocute reactivity is allergenic in nature. Although patch tests for mercury allergy are often given for unresolved oral symptoms, this is not generally recommended as a high percentage of such problems are resolved irrespective of the outcome of a patch test (87,90,etc.) Exposure to organochlorine compounds such as DDT/DDE and hexachlorobenzene have also been found to be highly correlated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dental amalgam, the material in “silver” tooth fillings, contains approximately 50 per cent of the highly toxic heavy metal mercury. But is it safe to put so much Mercury, the most toxic non-radioactive metal known to man, into the mouth of a person?

The "silver" fillings in your teeth - Dental Amalgams - are still widely used by the dental profession in most parts of the world. The "Amalgam" consists of a mix of metals - Generally 50% Mercury, 35% Silver, 15% Tin and other metals. But is it safe to put so much Mercury, the most toxic non-radioactive metal known to man, into the mouth of a person? There is now a growing mountain of evidence that it is NOT safe to do so. Some countries, like Sweden, Canada and Germany, have either banned or imposed serious limitations on Amalgam usage. There is now compelling evidence from reputable scientific bodies such as the World Health Organisation that, despite claims from pro-amalgam bodies such as the American and British Dental Associations (ADA/BDA), mercury is NOT "locked" safely in the metal bonds in the teeth, but can leak slowly into the body, often causing severe illnesses. These are reckoned to possibly include ME/CFS, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers, and a whole range of "auto-immune" illnesses. In fact, just by damaging the immune system, Amalgam could be contributing to an even broader range of illnesses. IS DENTAL AMALGAM SAFE?

Mercury's extreme cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity is a major factor in the neurological conditions, along with its inhibition of basic enzymatic cellular processes and effects on essential minerals and nutrients in cells. Mercury is also documented to cause imbalances in neurotransmitters related to mood disorders. A direct mechanism involving mercury's inhibition of cellular enzymatic processes by binding with the hydroxyl radical(SH) in amino acids appears to be a major part of the connection to allergic/immune reactive conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, lupus, eczema and psoriasis, scleroderma, and allergies. Immune reactivity to mercury has been documented by immune reactivity tests to be a major factor in many of the autoimmune conditions. more

Dr. Whitaker on mercury: In the May issue of Health and Healing, I told you about the two most common sources of toxic mercury: seafood and dental amalgams. But there's a third source of mercury that you should know about, particularly if you are the parent or grandparent of a young child or are expecting to have a child: vaccines.

Until recently, a form of mercury called thimerosal was used as a preservative in many of the vaccines given to infants and young children, including vaccines for hepatitis B, influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana), who spoke before the House Committee on Government Reform's hearing on mercury and medicine last year, knows just what this poison can do to the delicate brain and nervous system of a young child: his once-healthy grandson, who was given vaccines for nine different diseases in one day, now suffers from autism. In Burton's estimation, his grandson may have received, in the space of a few hours, 41 times the amount of mercury at which harm can be caused. Unfortunately, his grandson's experience is not unique.

Human destiny is on a collision course with mercury. Tomorrow we will all wake up to a world with about twenty tons more mercury in the environment, another ton will be put into people's mouths by dentists, and tens of thousands of little children will receive vaccinations laced with toxic mercury molecules, in the form of ethyl-mercury, super-charged with aluminum. In a world rapidly approaching some saturation point with mercury these twenty tons are significant. The longer medical and governmental authorities deny the full mercury story the higher the tide will rise as concentrations increase on land, sea and air. Mercury is a reality that has to be taken into account by doctors and everyone else. Though mercury is accompanied by tens of thousands of other chemicals in the environment none are as toxic nor as prevalent. We are destroying our children and our future with an invisible enemy as surely as if we have fought and lost a nuclear war. more

As I mentioned in the newsletter, mercury is a neurotoxin that is especially damaging to the developing brain and nervous system. A growing number of researchers believe that the soaring rates of neurological and developmental disorders in our children can be linked to a corresponding increase in the number of government-mandated vaccines.

The number of compulsory vaccines has increased from 10 to 36 in the past quarter-century, and over that time period, there has been a simultaneous increase in the number of children suffering from disabilities that prevent them from reaching their full potential. The incidence of learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder has doubled in the past 25 years, while autism has increased by an incredible 200 to 500 percent in every state in the U.S. in just the last decade. more on the danger of vaccines

Mercury - What is its role in Autism and Alzheimer's Disease? Dr. Boyd Haley, Ph.D., a biochemist at the University of Kentucky, is probably one of the world's top experts on mercury toxicity. Hear this fascinating review of the irrefutable evidence that links mercury toxicity to Autism and Alzheimer's disease. The video is from a presentation in March of 2003. The slides are courtesy of Dr. Haley. (1 hour 27 seconds video (only palys on IE )

How mercury causes brain neuron degeneration - Video from the University of Calgary dept of physiology and biophysics faculty medicine.

German scientists say amalgam reduces fertility
In a cell culture experiment, mercury affected hormone production at low concentrations. A link has been found between mercury and hormone disturbances, immune disturbances, recurrent fungal infections, hair loss and allergies. The differences are large. Allergies and hair loss are 2-3 times as common in the high- mercury group. These recent results confirm earlier findings from Heidelberg on mercury and fertility. According to the researchers, mercury exposure leads to hormone and immune disturbances that can reduce fertility. In a cell culture experiment at the Tuebingen University gynecological clinic, mercury affected hormone production at low concentrations. The concentrations were so low that cell vitality was otherwise almost unaffected.

The mercury connection to neurological pervasive developmental disorders (autism, schizophrenia, dyslexia, ADD, childhood depression, learning disabilities, OCD, etc.) and developmental immune conditions(eczema, asthma, and allergies)

The incidence of neurotoxic, allergic, and immune reactive conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, ADD, dyslexia, allergies, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, childhood diabetes, etc. have been increasing rapidly in recent years. A recent report by the National Research Council found that 50% of all pregnancies in the U.S. are now resulting in prenatal or postnatal mortality, significant birth defects, developmental disabilities or otherwise chronically unhealthy babies. There has been a similar sharp increase in developmental disabilities in Canadian children over the last 2 decades, including learning disabilities and behavioral problems, asthma and allergies, and childhood cancer. Exposure to toxic chemicals or environmental factors appear to be a factor in as much as 28 percent of the 4 million U.S. children born each year , with 1 in 6 having one of the neurological conditions previously listed. The U.S. Dept. Of Education indicates that over 5 million children attending school have neurological related disabilities reported by state agencies, other than ADD. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics between 4 to 12 % of all school age children are affected by ADHD and a similar number have some degree of dyslexia. Studies indicate that over 60,000 children are born each year with neurodevelopmental impairments due to prenatal exposure to methyl mercury and two other sources of mercury exposure appear more common and at higher levels than this, mercury from vaccines and amalgam dental fillings. -

Mercury in vaccines - One hundred years ago, children received 1 vaccine (the smallpox vaccine). Forty years ago, children received 5 vaccines routinely (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and smallpox vaccines) and as many as 8 shots by 2 years of age. Children now receive 52 vaccines, in the form of 15 shots, by the time they are 6 months of age if they receive all the recommend shots, including the Prevnar pediatric pneumonia shot. Vaccines contain THIMERSOL (mercury), MSG, aluminum, formaldehyde, sucrose and phenoxyethanol, which is antifreeze, among many other things. Thimerosal, a vaccine ingredient, is nearly 50% mercury. Mercury is a NEUROTOXIN. EPA 'safe' levels are: .1 microgram per 1.0 kilogram of body weight per day. Vaccines contain 12.5 to 25.0 micrograms of mercury, and a 'well baby' visit can see your child have between 50 and 62.5 mcgs of MERCURY injected into their bloodstream. The CDC (US) has found a trend linking autism to mercury laden vaccines. Thimerosal is a registered pesticide with the Department of Pesticide Registration of the Environmental Protection Agency. more on vaccines - Law suit

Disclaimer: The information at this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content of this website comprises only the observations and opinions of the authors and contributors: it does not constitute medical advice to readers.

Mercury: the Malevolent Messenger -

Some Other Key Articles of Interest

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Scleroderma, and Lupus: The Mercury Connection

Source: http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3305