Abstract
This review is focused on the general mechanisms of metal toxicity in humans. The possible and mainly confirmed mechanisms of their action are discussed. The metals are divided into four groups due to their toxic effects. First group comprises of metal ions acting as Fenton reaction catalyst mainly iron and copper. These types of metal ions participate in generation of the reactive oxygen species. Metals such as nickel, cadmium and chromium are considered as carcinogenic agents. Aluminum, lead and tin are involved in neurotoxicity. The representative of the last group is mercury, which may be considered as a generally toxic metal. Fenton reaction is a naturally occurring process producing most active oxygen species, hydroxyl radical:
Fe2+ + He2O2 ↔ Fe3+ + OH- + OH•
It is able to oxidize most of the biomolecules including DNA, proteins, lipids etc. The effect of toxicity depends on the damage of molecules i.e. production site of the hydroxyl radical. Chromium toxicity depends critically on its oxidation state. The most hazardous seems to be Cr6+ (chromates) which are one of the strongest inorganic carcinogenic agents. Cr6+ species act also as oxidative agents damaging among other nucleic acids. Redox inactive Al3+, Cd2+ or Hg2+ may interfere with biology of other metal ions e.g. by occupying metal binding sites in biomolecules. All these aspects will be discussed in the review.
Keywords: Metal toxicity, fenton reaction, heavy metals.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:General Aspects of Metal Toxicity
Volume: 21 Issue: 33
Author(s): H. Kozlowski, P. Kolkowska, J. Watly, K. Krzywoszynska and S. Potocki
Affiliation:
Keywords: Metal toxicity, fenton reaction, heavy metals.
Abstract: This review is focused on the general mechanisms of metal toxicity in humans. The possible and mainly confirmed mechanisms of their action are discussed. The metals are divided into four groups due to their toxic effects. First group comprises of metal ions acting as Fenton reaction catalyst mainly iron and copper. These types of metal ions participate in generation of the reactive oxygen species. Metals such as nickel, cadmium and chromium are considered as carcinogenic agents. Aluminum, lead and tin are involved in neurotoxicity. The representative of the last group is mercury, which may be considered as a generally toxic metal. Fenton reaction is a naturally occurring process producing most active oxygen species, hydroxyl radical:
Fe2+ + He2O2 ↔ Fe3+ + OH- + OH•
It is able to oxidize most of the biomolecules including DNA, proteins, lipids etc. The effect of toxicity depends on the damage of molecules i.e. production site of the hydroxyl radical. Chromium toxicity depends critically on its oxidation state. The most hazardous seems to be Cr6+ (chromates) which are one of the strongest inorganic carcinogenic agents. Cr6+ species act also as oxidative agents damaging among other nucleic acids. Redox inactive Al3+, Cd2+ or Hg2+ may interfere with biology of other metal ions e.g. by occupying metal binding sites in biomolecules. All these aspects will be discussed in the review.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Kozlowski H., Kolkowska P., Watly J., Krzywoszynska K. and Potocki S., General Aspects of Metal Toxicity, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 21 (33) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867321666140716093838
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867321666140716093838 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Transcriptional Factor CHOP and Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Hypertension Reviews Effects of Endothelins on Cardiac and Vascular Cells: New Therapeutic Target for the Future?
Current Vascular Pharmacology Stem Cell-based Therapies in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Outcomes
Current Pharmaceutical Design Dendritic Cell Homeostasis in the Regulation of Self-Reactivity
Current Pharmaceutical Design Transcription Factors in Heart: Promising Therapeutic Targets in Cardiac Hypertrophy
Current Cardiology Reviews Evolution and Analysis of Heterogeneity in the Clinical Expression of Aortic Diseases Similar to Marfan’s Syndrome: Challenge and Art in Clinical Diagnosis
Current Rheumatology Reviews Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins in cardiac disease and protection
Current Drug Targets Inflammation, Oxidation, Caloric Expenditure and Cognitive Impairment in Brazilian Elderly Assisted at Primary Care
Current Alzheimer Research Melatonin Alleviates Pyroptosis of Retinal Neurons Following Acute Intraocular Hypertension
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Measurement of Physical Changes in the Myocardium for Development of Novel Methods for Diagnosing Ischemia
Current Cardiology Reviews Editorial from Guest Editor [Hot topic: Novel Inflammatory Biomarkers in Diseases (Guest Editor: Yu Chen)]
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) HIF Prolyl-4-hydroxylase Interacting Proteins: Consequences for Drug Targeting
Current Pharmaceutical Design High Sensitivity Troponin in Cardiovascular Disease. Is There More Than a Marker of Myocardial Death?
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Isosteviol Protects H9c2 Cells Against Hypoxia-reoxygenation by Activating ERK1/2
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets ACE Inhibition Prevents Diastolic Ca2+ Overload and Loss of Myofilament Ca2+ Sensitivity after Myocardial Infarction
Current Molecular Medicine Natriuretic Peptide Testing in Primary Care
Current Cardiology Reviews A Practical Guide for the Treatment of Symptomatic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
Current Cardiology Reviews Advanced Glycation End Products: Association with the Pathogenesis of Diseases and the Current Therapeutic Advances
Current Clinical Pharmacology Role of Carbon Monoxide in Vascular Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Influence of a High-Fat Diet on Cardiac iNOS in Female Rats
Current Vascular Pharmacology