Title:Lithium and Microorganisms: Biological Effects and Mechanisms
Volume: 24
Issue: 13
Author(s): Evgenii Plotnikov*, Dariya Pukhnyarskaya and Anna Chernova
Affiliation:
- Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University,
Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk, Russia
Keywords:
Lithium, bacteria, biological effect, inhibition, cytoprotection, microbiome, biotechnology.
Abstract: This review covers the lithium effects on microorganisms, including gut and soil bacteria.
Available studies of the biological effects of lithium salts have revealed a wide range of different
effects of lithium cations on various microorganisms, but so far, the study of this direction has
not been summarized enough. Here we consider the confirmed and various plausible mechanisms
of lithium action on microorganisms. Special emphasis is placed on assessing the effect of lithium
ions under oxidative stress and adverse environmental conditions. The impact of lithium on the
human microbiome is also being reviewed and discussed. Controversial effects of lithium have
been shown, including the inhibitory and stimulating effects of lithium on bacterial growth.