This 2013 review by Margaret E. Sears examines the role of chelation in detoxifying heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, which are prevalent environmental toxins contributing to chronic diseases. The paper discusses both natural chelators like glutathione and metallothionein, and pharmaceutical agents such as EDTA, DMSA, and
This critical review assesses the clinical validity of provoked challenge urine testing for detecting heavy metal exposure. The authors outline key issues with the test, including lack of standardization in chelator type, dosing, and urine collection timing. It highlights how comparisons are often made to unvalidated reference ranges, resulting in
This review analyzes the coordination behavior and therapeutic potential of thiol-based chelators—DMSA, DMPS, BAL, and α-lipoic acid—against toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). It outlines how these metals interact preferentially with sulfur-containing ligands due to their classification as soft or borderline acids. DMSA is noted for its
This study investigates the efficacy of two commonly used chelation therapy agents, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS), in binding mercuric ions (Hg²⁺). Using mercury L(III)-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, researchers found that neither DMSA nor DMPS forms true chelate complexes with Hg²⁺, which may
This review examines the use of metal chelators, including DMSA, DMPS, and CaEDTA, in treating lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning, with a focus on their efficacy, safety, and potential combination therapies. The study highlights that DMSA is a safer alternative to CaEDTA for moderate lead poisoning and suggests that DMSA
This review examines the effectiveness and safety of four chelating agents—DMSA, DMPS, CaNa₂EDTA, and BAL—for treating heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead, mercury, and arsenic intoxication. The study highlights that DMSA and DMPS are safer and more effective alternatives to traditional chelators like CaNa₂EDTA and BAL, with DMSA primarily used for
This review article discusses the use of DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) and DMPS (dimercaptopropanesulfonate) as safe and effective water-soluble chelating agents for treating heavy metal poisoning, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Both agents are shown to be effective in promoting the excretion of toxic metals while having minimal side effects
This review explores the mechanisms by which heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury induce toxicity through oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, disrupting cellular defense mechanisms, and impairing essential enzymes and proteins. Chelation therapy, using agents like CaNa₂EDTA, BAL, DMPS, and DMSA, is a
This review article discusses the role of chelation therapy in treating metal intoxication, focusing on the advancements and use of newer, less toxic chelating agents like DMSA and DMPS, which are effective for treating heavy metal poisoning and available in oral form. It highlights DMSA’s potency in treating copper overload
This systematic review examines the role of chelation therapy in the treatment of mercury, lead, and copper intoxications, highlighting newer chelating agents such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercapto-propanesulphonate (DMPS), which have a safer profile compared to older agents like dimercaptopropanol (BAL). The review also discusses the use of D-penicillamine
