An Overview of Carcinogenic Heavy Metal: Molecular Toxicity Mechanism and Prevention.
10.15430/JCP.2015.20.4.232
- Author:
Hyun Soo KIM
1
;
Yeo Jin KIM
;
Young Rok SEO
Author Information
1. Institute of Environmental Medicine for Green Chemistry, Department of Life Science, Dongguk University Biomedical Campus, Goyang, Korea. seoyr@dongguk.edu
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Carcinogenic heavy metals;
Molecular mechanism;
Pathway analysis;
Cancer prevention
- MeSH:
Alloys;
Arsenic;
Cadmium;
Carcinogens;
Cell Death;
Chromium;
DNA Damage;
Human Body;
International Agencies;
Metals;
Metals, Heavy;
Nickel;
Osmeriformes;
Oxidative Stress;
Phytochelatins
- From:Journal of Cancer Prevention
2015;20(4):232-240
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Almost all heavy metals are serious toxicants as carcinogens. However, due to their chemical and physiological properties, heavy metals are useful in industrial areas including alloy, smelting and production of commercial products. Such applications increase the opportunity for heavy metal exposure. Waste from industrial processes is also a major source of environmental contamination and accumulation in the human body. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel are classified as group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and are utilized commercially. In this review, we used molecular pathway analysis to understand the toxicity and carcinogenic mechanisms of these metals. Our analyzed data showed that above-mentioned metallic substances induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death processes, resulting in increase the risk of cancer and cancer-related diseases. Thus, we might think phytochelatin molecules and antioxidative phytochemical substances are helpful for prevention of heavy metal-induced cancer.
