The Effect of Mercury Vapor and the Role of Green Tea Extract on Brain Cells

• Published in: Journal of Dentistry Indonesia Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 39 - 45
• Main Author: Afriza, Dhona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia 22.09.2013
• Subjects: brain cells; green tea; inhaling; mercury
• ISSN: 1693-9697; 2355-4800
• DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v20i2.151

Mercury is a wellknown toxic metal that is capable to induce free radical-induced oxidative stress. It can cause human disease including brain disorders. Objective: To identify the effect of mercury vapor inhalation on brain cells and the role of green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) as antioxidant on the brain cells exposed to mercury. Methods: Fourty-eight male Mus musculus were divided into 8 groups, which were given treatment for 3 and 6 weeks. Group A did not receive any treatment and served as a negative control. Group B was a positive control exposed to Mercury. Group C was exposed to Mercury and treated with 26μg/g green tea extract. Group D was exposed to mercury and treated with 52μg/g green tea extract. All animals in the Group B, C, D were exposed to mercury through inhalation for 4 hours daily. The effect of mercury on the brain cells were examined histopathologically. Results: The numbers of necrotic cells counted in the green tea-treated mice group were significantly lower than those untreated group (p<0,05). Conclusion: Mercury vapor inhalation may cause necrosis on brain cells. Administration of green tea extract as an antioxidant reduced the amount of mercury-induced necrotic brain cells in mice.DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v20i2.151