Neurotoxicity of heavy metals in the light of gender studies

Jiří Patočka
University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Department of Radiology, Toxicology and Civil Protection, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Korespondenční autor: Jiří Patočka (toxicology@toxicology.cz)

ISSN 1804-7181 (On-line)

Full verze:

Submitted:15. 8. 2013
Accepted: 26. 2. 2014
Published online: 15. 7. 2014

Summary

Gender-related differences regarding susceptibility to chemical exposure to neurotoxicants have not received sufficient attention. Although a significant number of epidemiological studies on the neurodevelopmental effects of metal exposure have been published in the last twenty years, not many of these studies have considered the possible gender-specific effects of such exposure. This review is focused on studies in which the gender differences in pre- and/or postnatal exposures to five metals (mercury, lead, manganese, cadmium, and arsenic) and neurodevelopment were evaluated. A significant number of experimental and epidemiological studies on brain effects of exposure to neurotoxic substances has been published, however not many of them have considered the possible gender-specific effects of such exposure. Subtle and less subtle differences exist in brain function. They exist due to effects of sex hormones as well as to effects that sex hormones exert on the uterus during development, leading to persisting epigenetic markers. Recent human and animal studies suggest that gender dimorphic profiles are emerging in terms of neurotoxicity, moreover that gender differences in neurotoxicity are more widespread than one may expect. If a risk factor is underestimated in one gender, or if gender specific symptoms are not recognized, timely treatment may be delayed. Knowing that one gender is more vulnerable to poisoning helps to carry out a more effective prevention strategy, that is more efficient than the global approaches. In addition, it has significant consequences on public health concerns and outcomes. Our work is complemented by a critical analysis of some previously published studies.

Keywords: gender – neurotoxicity – heavy metals – children

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