DIMERCAPTOSUCCINATE Meaning and
Definition
-
Dimercaptosuccinate (DMS, also known as succimer) is a chemical compound derived from succinic acid that is used as a chelating agent in medicine. As a chelator, it has the ability to bind to and enhance the elimination of certain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from the body.
Dimercaptosuccinate functions by forming stable complexes with heavy metals, which then allows for their excretion through urine. This mechanism makes it particularly useful in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning cases, where it aids in the removal of toxic substances from the body.
Due to its thiolic (sulfhydryl) nature, dimercaptosuccinate has the ability to undergo redox reactions, making it a potential antioxidant. This antioxidant property can assist in reducing oxidative stress caused by heavy metal accumulation, providing potential benefits for various health conditions associated with heavy metal toxicity.
In medical practice, dimercaptosuccinate is administrated by oral or intravenous routes, and its dosage is adjusted according to the severity of the poisoning or the specific case being treated. The compound has been found to have limited side effects, primarily including gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic-like reactions, or skin rashes in some individuals.
In conclusion, dimercaptosuccinate is a chelating agent used to enhance the elimination of heavy metals, particularly lead and mercury, from the body. Its application is primarily focused on treating heavy metal poisonings, where it helps remove toxic substances and reduce oxidative stress associated with heavy metal accumulation.
Etymology of DIMERCAPTOSUCCINATE
The word "dimercaptosuccinate" is derived from the combination of several roots and suffixes:
1. "Di-" is a prefix indicating two or double.
2. "Mercapto-" is derived from the Latin word "mercaptus", meaning "mercury". It refers to the presence of the functional group -SH, known as a thiol or mercaptan group.
3. "Succinate" is derived from the Latin word "succinum", which means "amber". Succinate represents a salt or ester of succinic acid.
Therefore, "dimercaptosuccinate" refers to a compound or molecule containing two mercaptan (-SH) functional groups attached to a succinate moiety.
