Role of Cytochrome P450-Dependent Monooxygenases and Polymorphic Variants of GSTT1 and GSTM1 Genes in the Formation of Brain Lesions in Individuals Chronically Exposed to Mercury

The metabolic test with antipyrine was performed, the relationship between genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms were studied, and cotinine level was measured in 116 men chronically exposed to mercury. The individuals were divided in 4 groups depending on the diagnosis of chronic mercury intoxication. The changes in the parameters of antipyrine test were studied in linked samples ( N = 62, 4 year interval); in patients with chronic mercury intoxication, the disease stage was taken into account. Inhibition of antipyrine metabolism, increased frequency of combination of GSTT1(0/0)/GSTM1(+) genotypes in patients with chronic mercury intoxication, and the specificity of cytochrome P450 inhibition with mercury suggest that disease progression is related to inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoforms in the brain that catalyze regulation of endogenous substrates.