Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
09:33

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

Published on: December 17, 2018

Lactic Acid Bacteria as In Vivo Protective Strategy Against Dietary Methylmercury Exposure

Luzmila Burbano1, Pilar Rodríguez-Viso1, Manuel Zúñiga1

  • 1Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA.CSIC), Calle Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Spain.

Journal of Xenobiotics
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study explored how lactic acid bacteria (LAB) reduce mercury (Hg) accumulation. Certain LAB strains significantly lowered mercury levels in mice organs, suggesting a dietary strategy for reducing mercury exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Dietary mercury (Hg) exposure is a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding mercury toxicokinetics and identifying mitigation strategies are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the toxicokinetics of dietary mercury (Hg).
  • To identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains that can reduce methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in organs.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of selected LAB strains in reducing Hg accumulation in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • BALB/c mice and Wistar rats were exposed to Hg(II) and MeHg via drinking water and feed (swordfish, mushrooms).
  • In vitro screening identified two LAB strains (L. intestinalis LE1, L. johnsonii LE2).
  • Mice were dosed daily with LE1 or LE2 strains during a 40-day exposure to dietary MeHg.

Main Results:

  • The feed matrix did not alter MeHg accumulation but reduced Hg(II) accumulation compared to water exposure.
  • Daily administration of LE1 and LE2 strains reduced organ Hg content by 18-64% in mice exposed via drinking water.
  • The LE1 strain also decreased Hg content by 13-40% in mice exposed via feed.

Conclusions:

  • Lactic acid bacteria show potential for reducing mercury accumulation in organs.
  • LAB administration can be a viable dietary strategy for populations with chronic mercury exposure.
  • Further research into LAB efficacy against different mercury forms and exposure routes is warranted.
Keywords:
dietary strategiesfoodinorganic mercurylactic acid bacteriamethylmercurymiceratstissue bioaccumulationtoxicokinetics

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