MeHg; Metabolic pathway; Polymorphism; GSH; Mt.

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that exists in various physical and chemical forms. Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most toxic form present in the environment capable of causing irreversible damage to the central nervous system. In the Tapajós basin, the population is environmentally exposed to the toxic effects of MeHg due to the high consumption of fish contaminated with Hg. Our cells have natural defense mechanisms to combat the toxic effects of MeHg, such as glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein, which provide MeHg removal, antioxidant capacity and resistance to the toxic effects of Hg. The presence of polymorphisms in genes of GSH and MT metabolism in relation to exposure to MeHg This work aims to evaluate the effect of polymorphisms in genes of metabolic pathways of Glutathione and Metallothionein on Hg levels in residents of Lower Tapajós. This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study that will be carried out with 332 individuals residing in the Lower Tapajós region. 5mL of peripheral blood will be collected for quantification of Hg levels in a DMA-80 Direct Mercury Analyzer (Milestone) equipment. 5 ml of peripheral blood will be collected to perform the genotyping of GRS, MT-2a, GSS, GCLC, GCLM gene polymorphisms using the Taqman assay technique and the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. For statistical analysis will be performed a descriptive analysis and statistical tests at the significance level was 5%.