The effects of chronic arsenic toxicity on nervous system

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08780
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Hygiene and public health
• Research Institution: University of Miyazaki
• Principal Investigator: Mochizuki Hitoshi 宮崎大学, 医学部, 講師 (50501699)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): NAKAZATO Masamitsu 宮崎大学, 医学部, 教授 (10180267) ; SHIOMI Kazutaka 宮崎大学, 医学部, 准教授 (40305082) ; TOSHINAI Kouji 至学館大学, 健康科学部, 教授 (80381101) ; ISHII Nobuyuki 宮崎大学, 医学部, 医員 (80648410)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 砒素 / 重金属中毒 / 末梢神経障害 / 体性感覚誘発電位 / 神経内科

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Chronic arsenic intoxication is a major threat to public health in many countries. In Toroku, a small village in Japan, arsenic mines operated from 1920 to 1962, and residents suffered serious sequelae of high concentration chronic arsenic intoxication. In resident examination, many had significant peripheral neuropathy of pain, and in severe cases complicated deep sensory disturbance. In the somatosensory evoked potential, delay of central conduction time was observed in severe cases. Neurological assessment was conducted at residents’ screening in Myanmar, where arsenic drinking water pollution is spreading. In the arsenic drinking water intake group exceeding 50ug/L, peripheral neuropathy of vibration and central nervous system impairment appeared. This is the first study characterizing the neurological impairments after chronic arsenic exposure. Our study will be helpful in assessing the prognosis of patients worldwide who still suffer from chronic arsenic intoxication.

Free Research Field

神経内科