Genetic susceptibility to mercury in the amazon: A cross-sectional approach to snps analyses in exposed riverine populations.

Mercury is among the worst global pollutants being a significant public health concern in the Amazon, primarily due to contaminated fish intake. The relationship between mercury body burden and genetic polymorphisms in GSTP1 (rs1695), PON1 (rs662), MT1A (rs11076161), and SEPP1 (rs7579) genes was analyzed in Amazonian riverine populations, with a rapid and cost-effective approach by selecting individuals at both extremes of the exposure spectrum. Genotyping revealed significant associations for GSTP1 and PON1 polymorphisms: the G allele of GSTP1 and the CC genotype of PON1 were more frequent among highly exposed individuals, suggesting reduced detoxification efficiency. Additionally, although non-significant, a higher prevalence of the GG and CC genotypes were observed for MT1A and SEPP1, respectively, in the high-exposure group, pointing to the need for further investigation. These findings enhance our understanding of how genetic variation influences individual susceptibility to mercury accumulation in the Amazon and can support public health prevention strategies and the early identification of high-risk individuals within these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of considering gene-environment interactions in environmental health assessments and highlights the need for public health strategies tailored to the genetic and socio-environmental contexts of vulnerable Amazonian communities.