N-acetyl-L-Cysteine as prophylaxis against sulfur mustard

Sulfur mustard (HD) is a blister agent targeting the eyes, respiratory system, skin, and possibly other organs. Extensive exposure can destroy the immune system by destruction of bone marrow cells. There is no antidote for HD or effective treatment other than rapid decontamination. Clinical trials h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Military medicine 2005-01, Vol.170 (1), p.52-56
Main Authors: Bobb, Andrew J, Arfsten, Darryl P, Jederberg, Warren W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetylcysteine - administration & dosage
Acetylcysteine - chemistry
Acetylcysteine - therapeutic use
Amino acids
Animals
Apoptosis
Chemical Warfare Agents - toxicity
Chemoprevention
Erythema
Free radicals
Humans
Infections
Mustard Gas - toxicity
Physiology
Protective Agents - administration & dosage
Protective Agents - chemistry
Protective Agents - therapeutic use
Respiratory failure
Safety
Sepsis
Skin
Sulfur
World War I
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Summary:Sulfur mustard (HD) is a blister agent targeting the eyes, respiratory system, skin, and possibly other organs. Extensive exposure can destroy the immune system by destruction of bone marrow cells. There is no antidote for HD or effective treatment other than rapid decontamination. Clinical trials have demonstrated activity for N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) against a number of significant human pathologies involving free radicals, and animal and tissue studies have suggested efficacy for NAC as a chemoprotectant against many toxic chemicals. Among these are studies demonstrating that NAC significantly reduces the effects of HD and HD simulants, both in cultured cells and animals. Given the historical effectiveness of HD, the lack of any effective treatment, the demonstrated chemoprotective properties of NAC, its low toxicity, the lack of regulatory controls, and the data supporting efficacy against HD effects, we suggest daily oral administration of the maximum safe dose of NAC to personnel entering combat zones.
ISSN:0026-4075
1930-613X
DOI:10.7205/MILMED.170.1.52