Jie Chang1, Yun Zhou1, Qiang Wang1, Michael Aschner2, Rongzhu Lu3. 1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China. 2. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. 3. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Center for Experimental Research, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China. Electronic address: lurz@mail.ujs.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, with the nervous system as its main target; however, the neurotoxic mechanisms of MeHg have not been fully elucidated, and no effective therapeutic and preventive drugs are available to mitigate its toxicity. Recent evidence suggests a reduction in the toxicity of MeHg by natural plant extracts. SCOPE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of effective natural plant extracts and their putative biochemical mechanisms for blocking gut absorption, enhancing excretion and minimizing toxic effects of MeHg. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Natural plant extracts may act as potential therapeutics in response to MeHg exposure. The roles plant components play in the reduction of MeHg toxicity may be multifaceted including: (1) attenuating neurobehavioral deficits; (2) facilitating demethylation of MeHg to inorganic mercury; (3) reducing MeHg absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; (4) redistributing MeHg to less sensitive target organs and tissues; (5) promoting enterohepatic circulation of MeHg to increase its biliary and intestinal excretion; (6) restoring intracellular redox status. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The possible protective effects of natural plant components contribute to the understanding of mechanisms of MeHg toxicity and to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
BACKGROUND: Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, with the nervous system as its main target; however, the neurotoxic mechanisms of MeHg have not been fully elucidated, and no effective therapeutic and preventive drugs are available to mitigate its toxicity. Recent evidence suggests a reduction in the toxicity of MeHg by natural plant extracts. SCOPE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of effective natural plant extracts and their putative biochemical mechanisms for blocking gut absorption, enhancing excretion and minimizing toxic effects of MeHg. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Natural plant extracts may act as potential therapeutics in response to MeHg exposure. The roles plant components play in the reduction of MeHgtoxicity may be multifaceted including: (1) attenuating neurobehavioral deficits; (2) facilitating demethylation of MeHg to inorganic mercury; (3) reducing MeHg absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; (4) redistributing MeHg to less sensitive target organs and tissues; (5) promoting enterohepatic circulation of MeHg to increase its biliary and intestinal excretion; (6) restoring intracellular redox status. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The possible protective effects of natural plant components contribute to the understanding of mechanisms of MeHgtoxicity and to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.