Researchers at the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences (China) have conducted a study that sheds light on the complex impact of alcohol consumption on the bioavailability of arsenic and how it accumulates in tissues, and observes that alcohol changes the intestinal microbiota and intestinal barriers, influencing the distribution of arsenic throughout the body, reducing toxicity in vital organs.
Arsenic is ubiquitous in the environment and is a major carcinogen for humans, posing serious health risks through exposure to food, water, and soil. Understanding the factors that affect how it is absorbed and stored in the body is key to evaluating related health hazards.
"While alcohol consumption is common around the world and known for its various health effects, its interaction with how arsenic is absorbed and its resulting toxicity has been largely overlooked until this recent study "say the researchers.
In this pioneering study, published in 'Eco-Environment
This unexpected effect is due to the damage that alcohol causes to intestinal barriers and changes in intestinal microflora, which increases the entry of arsenic into the bloodstream. Crucially, alcohol also increased renal filtration and reduced antidiuretic hormone levels, causing more arsenic to be eliminated through urine. Basically, alcohol speeds up the release of arsenic from the body, reducing its harmful potential.
"This study reveals the intricate interaction between common substances and their unforeseen health effects, providing a new angle on the toxicity of arsenic and the influence of alcohol," they add.
Alcohol ingestion damaged the intestinal tight junction and caused increased arsenic absorption through intestinal paracellular pathways; alcohol ingestion reduced glomerular tight junctions and increased glomerular filtration of arsenic; and the diuretic function of alcohol consumption also contributed to reducing arsenic accumulation in tissues.
"Given widespread exposure to both substances, it is vital to understand how they interact within the body to better predict and mitigate health risks," says corresponding author Dr. Hongbo Li, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of alcohol in bioavailability. of arsenic.
The results indicate that although alcohol consumption could increase the amount of arsenic absorbed, it also improves its elimination from the body, possibly decreasing its accumulation in tissues and reducing certain risks of toxicity. This information is especially relevant for groups exposed to both arsenic and alcohol, as it provides a detailed view of risk factors and their interactions.
