Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Volume 22, Issue 8, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084027
Keywords
epigallocatechin gallate; EGCG; antioxidant; heavy metals; reactive oxygen species; oxidative stress
Funding
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This review focuses on the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on toxicities induced by heavy metals (HMs), highlighting both the protective mechanisms and potential adverse impacts of EGCG. Challenges related to EGCG's low bioavailability and proper dosing in HM intoxication therapy are also discussed, offering insights into the design of new therapeutics for HM poisoning.
In this review, we highlight the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against toxicities induced by heavy metals (HMs). This most active green tea polyphenol was demonstrated to reduce HM toxicity in such cells and tissues as testis, liver, kidney, and neural cells. Several protective mechanisms that seem to play a pivotal role in EGCG-induced effects, including reactive oxygen species scavenging, HM chelation, activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), anti-inflammatory effects, and protection of mitochondria, are described. However, some studies, especially in vitro experiments, reported potentiation of harmful HM actions in the presence of EGCG. The adverse impact of EGCG on HM toxicity may be explained by such events as autooxidation of EGCG, EGCG-mediated iron (Fe3+) reduction, depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, and disruption of mitochondrial functions. Furthermore, challenges hampering the potential EGCG application related to its low bioavailability and proper dosing are also discussed. Overall, in this review, we point out insights into mechanisms that might account for both the beneficial and adverse effects of EGCG in HM poisoning, which may have a bearing on the design of new therapeutics for HM intoxication therapy.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available