Chelator of divalent cations. Inhibits enzymes, such as metalloproteases, that require divalent cations for activity.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Zinc-dependent metalloproteinases, as well as other proteases that are stabilized by calcium, can be effectively inhibited by chelation of divalent metal ions with EDTA. Other chelators such as EGTA, specific for calcium, and 1,10-phenanthroline, highly specific for zinc, can be used to target these two different types of proteases.
General description
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is an aminopolycarboxylic acid and a hexadentate ligand. It chelates with metal ions to form an octahedral complex especially with cations. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) is a blood anticoagulant and contributes to the pathogenesis of pseudothrombocytopenia. It chelates with calcium in the blood and inhibits clotting and is routinely used in haematological tests. It enhances the antibacterial activity of lysozyme. EDTA used in chelation therapy chelates with calcium and favors dilation of artery, solubilisation of atheromatous plaques in atherosclerotic vascular disease. EDTA chelation therapy protects from lipid peroxidation events in liver fibrosis.
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