Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective

Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise concerns related their possible effects on human biology. In present review, we summarize results epidemiological investigations genetic component individual susceptibility in humans, that these two pollutants have epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, provide evidence Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study investigate potential impact genome epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local consumption, given characteristics render Sea particularly polluted. Finally, discuss challenges molecular anthropological approach this topic.