Release of mercury from dental amalgam and its influence on salivary antioxidant activity

Authors

  • M Pizzichini Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Siena
  • M Fonzi Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
  • L Sugherini
  • L Fonzi Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
  • M Comporti
  • A Gasparoni Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Siena
  • A Pompella

Abstract

Dental amalgam fillings are known to release significant levels of mercury (Hg) in saliva which could represent a continuous source of oxidative damage to tissues. The present investigation was aimed at verifying this hypothesis by determining a possible correlation between salivary Hg levels and salivary total antioxidant activity (TAA), used as an index of oxidative stress. Samples of saliva from 34 healthy donors were analyzed for Hg content, through vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and for TAA, by determining the ferric reducing ability ('FRAP' method). A significant correlation between Hg and the number of amalgam restorations or total amalgam surface was evident in both the male and female subjects. A significant negative correlation between TAA and Hg levels or number of amalgam restorations or amalgam surface was evident in females, indicating that small increases in salivary Hg were sufficient to produce a decrease in salivary TAA. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found in the males. The present study provides, for the first time, evidence of a pro-oxidant role of the amalgam Hg chronically released in saliva.

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Published

2008-12-20

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 2 (2000)

Section

Original Research Articles

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1. Conceived, planned, and performed the work leading to the report, or interpreted the evidence presented, or both;

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5. The copyright of the article is transferred from the authors to the Bulletin du Groupement International pour la Recherche Scientifique en Stomatologie et Odontologie upon acceptance of the manuscript.