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BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. Although nickel is known to be carcinogenic in humans it
is still widely used in certain dental alloys. Researchers at the University of
Alabama now report that other components of dental alloys (beryllium, chromium,
and molybdenum) as well as nickel affect the very basic function of human cells
- the production of energy (ATP). ATP is produced in the mitochondria of cells
and involves highly oxidative processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that
abnormalities in the mitochondrial processes are important causes of human
disease. Some researchers believe that a slowing down of these processes
actually heralds the very first stage in the proliferation of abnormal cells and
cancer.
The Alabama researchers exposed cultures of human gingival (gum) cells to
solutions of nickel, beryllium, chromium (tri- and hexavalent) and molybdenum
(hexavalent) for periods of 24 and 72 hours. They then measured the energy
production and oxygen consumption of the cells' mitochondria in the various
solutions. Cells in contact with nickel or hexavalent chromium were most
affected and showed decreased ATP (energy) production as well as a decrease in
oxygen consumption. The effects of beryllium, molybdenum, and trivalent
chromium were similar, but less pronounced. The researchers conclude that their
findings may be the first indication that some components of common dental
alloys may be detrimental to human health. They urge further research to
establish possible synergisms between mixtures of these different metals on
mitochondrial energy production. [54 references]
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