Joao B. T. Rocha,Michael Aschner,Jose G. Dorea,Sandra Ceccatelli,Marcelo Farina,and Luiz Carlos L. Silveira

摘要

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic elements in the periodic table. Although Hg is present in nature, it has also been released into the environment for centuries as a result of anthropogenic activities. Nowadays, there are efforts to reduce its anthropogenic use; however, its environmental presence is significant and will persist. We are pleased to present this special issue on mercury toxicity. The objective of collecting research findings in a single issue devoted to the toxicology of mercury was to compile reports on the latest findings on Hg's toxicity from renowned research groups across the world. This special issue affords the opportunity to bring together a wide range of review and research papers devoted both to basic and applied toxicity associated with various exposure scenarios and Hg species (dental material, iatrogenic ethylmercury, fish-methylmercury) along with comprehensive description on experimental models. While human studies demonstrated the noxious effects of these forms of Hg, experimental studies have assisted in defining mechanistic pathways central to Hg's toxicity in various tissues and organ systems.