N-Acetyl Cysteine, Selenium and Zinc Studied in Mercury Exposure

Recently, research has been published indicating N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), selenium and zinc support health in cases of mercury exposure. Mercury is a heavy metal widespread in the environment. Previous research has suggested that sulfur-containing antioxidants, such as NAC, may have protective activity against the effects of mercury by enhancing the body’s ability to deal with this metal.

Rats were exposed to 1 mg/kg of dimethylmercury for 12 weeks. Some of the rats were also supplemented with NAC, selenium and zinc during the exposure period. The rats were then assessed for liver and kidney function and activity of several enzymes.

The results of the study showed that exposure of the rats to dimethylmercury affected the activity of several liver and kidney enzymes, lipid peroxidation and proteins. More specifically, dimethylmercury exposure affected the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, aniline hydroxylase, amidopyrine-N-demethylase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phophatase and succinic dehydrogenase, many of which are involved in liver detoxification and tissue breakdown. Additionally, the liver and kidney cells were affected.

Most importantly, the study showed that NAC, selenium and zinc supplementation dramatically mitigated these changes, with the trend being in the direction of normalized function.

The study authors concluded that NAC, along with zinc and selenium, is beneficial in supporting the body’s capacity to effectively deal with dimethylmercury-induced systemic exposure.

Reference:

Joshi D, Mittal D, Shrivastav S, Shukla S, Srivastav AK. Combined Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine, Zinc, and Selenium Against Chronic Dimethylmercury-Induced Oxidative Stress: A Biochemical and Histopathological Approach. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2011 Mar 19. Published Online Ahead of Print.