[Mercury toxicity: trace element interactions and detoxification activity by L-arginine]

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional science

Context:

• Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental toxin affecting multiple organs, particularly the liver and kidneys.
• Chronic Hg intoxication disrupts the homeostasis of essential trace metals like copper, zinc, manganese, and iron.
• L-arginine has shown potential immunomodulatory effects in Hg-intoxicated models.

Purpose:

• To investigate the impact of chronic mercury exposure on essential metal homeostasis in mice.
• To evaluate the efficacy of L-arginine supplementation in mitigating mercury-induced toxicity and restoring metal balance.
• To assess the detoxification process influenced by L-arginine in mercury-intoxicated mice.

Summary:

• Mercury intoxication significantly perturbed essential metal levels (copper, zinc, manganese, iron) in the liver and kidneys of mice.
• Supplementation with L-arginine in the diet of mercury-intoxicated mice led to a notable restoration of normal homeostatic conditions for these essential metals.
• L-arginine treatment demonstrated a beneficial influence on the detoxification process and overall recovery from mercury toxicity.

Impact:

• This study highlights the critical role of essential metal homeostasis disruption in mercury toxicity.
• L-arginine emerges as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating mercury poisoning by restoring metal balance.
• Findings provide insights into nutritional strategies for managing heavy metal intoxication in both human and animal health.