Mercury exposure, epigenetic modifications, and genetic susceptibility: insights from molecular docking and population analysis
Serik B. Shinetova L.E. Efimova N.V. Bekeyeva S.A. Abdrakhmanova B.M. Dauletova A.O. Suleimenova R.K. Mussin N.M. Zare A. Safarzoda Sharoffidin R. Tamadon A.
2025Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Public Health
2025#13
Introduction: Mercury (Hg) is a major environmental contaminant and public health concern, particularly in industrial regions where metallurgical activities contribute to elevated Hg emissions. Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to mercury toxicity remain underexplored in Central Asia. This study investigated genetic predisposition to Hg accumulation and toxicity among residents of Temirtau, Kazakhstan. Methods: A total of 180 residents from Temirtau and 90 control participants were enrolled. Mercury concentrations were measured in blood and hair samples using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Dietary information was collected to identify major exposure routes. Genotyping for GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 (Ile105Val, rs1695), and GCLM (–588C/T, rs41303970) polymorphisms was performed using PCR and PCR-RFLP methods. Complementary molecular docking analyses were conducted to assess methylmercury (MeHg) interactions with key epigenetic regulators—DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), histone deacetylases (HDAC1–6), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Results: Individuals carrying GSTM1-null and GCLM variant genotypes exhibited higher Hg accumulation and greater oxidative-stress susceptibility compared with wild-type carriers. Molecular docking revealed moderate binding affinity of MeHg within the catalytic domains of DNMT1 and HDAC isoforms, suggesting interference with DNA methylation and histone-modification processes. Although exposure levels were considerably lower than those in classical Minamata incidents, subclinical effects and genotype–environment interactions were evident. Discussion: These findings highlight oxidative stress and epigenetic dysregulation as potential mechanisms underlying interindividual variability in mercury toxicity. The integration of genetic and molecular-modeling approaches provides valuable insights for risk assessment and preventive strategies in populations chronically exposed to industrial pollutants. Copyright
environmental exposure , genetic polymorphism , glutathione transferase , mercury , mining activities , public health , toxicodynamics , toxicokinetics
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Medical School, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan
Psychometric Laboratory, National Testing Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
East Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research, Angarsk, Russian Federation
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Department of Natural Sciences, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Medical School
Psychometric Laboratory
East Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology
Department of General Surgery
College of Medicine
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
Department of Natural Sciences
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026