State of the science review of the health effects of inorganic arsenic: Perspectives for future research

Abstract

Human exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a global health issue. Although there is strong evidence for iAs-induced toxicity at higher levels of exposure, many epidemiological studies evaluating its effects at low exposure levels have reported mixed results. We comprehensively reviewed the literature and evaluated the scientific knowledge on human exposure to arsenic, mechanisms of action, systemic and carcinogenic effects, risk characterization, and regulatory guidelines. We identified areas where additional research is needed. These priority areas include: (1) further development of animal models of iAs carcinogenicity to identify molecular events involved in iAs carcinogenicity; (2) characterization of underlying mechanisms of iAs toxicity; (3) assessment of genderspecific susceptibilities and other factors that modulate arsenic metabolism; (4) sufficiently powered epidemiological studies to ascertain relationship between iAs exposure and reproductive/ developmental effects; (5) evaluation of genetic/epigenetic determinants of iAs effects in children;and (6) epidemiological studies of people chronically exposed to low iAs concentrations.

Relative gene expression, micronuclei formation, and ultrastructure alterations induced by heavy metal contamination in Pimelia latreillei (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in an urban-industrial area of Alexandria, Egypt

“…The excess release of heavy metals into the soil makes them a major health concern worldwide [ 7 , 8 ]. Most heavy metals have carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects in addition to their cytotoxicity to healthy cells at low concentrations [ 9 , 10 ].…”

MicroRNA‐17‐5p restrains the dysfunction of Ang‐II induced podocytes by suppressing secreted modular calcium‐binding protein 2 via NF‐κB and TGFβ signaling

“…Ang II facilitates vasoconstriction and inflammatory in post‐glomerular arteries and causes glomerular or vascular injury, leading to the fibrosis or necrosis of kidney 9,10 . The renal damage exhibits as increased glomerular protein filtration, glomerular fibrosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition 11‐13 …”

“…9,10 The renal damage exhibits as increased glomerular protein filtration, glomerular fibrosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. [11][12][13] MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that modulate gene-expression post-transcriptionally. [14][15][16] Over the past decades, miRNAs have been confirmed to serve as important biomarkers for the treatment of renal diseases.…”

DNA damage and oogenesis anomalies in Pimelia latreillei (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) induced by heavy metals soil pollution

“…The toxicity of these elements occurs when they do not get excreted from the body, accumulate in tissues, interfere with other essential metals, and cause numerous abnormalities in biological specimens (Castriotta, 2009; Deng et al, 2006). Most of the heavy metals have a cytotoxic effect as well as carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects even if they are present in low concentrations (Shonouda et al, 2016; Tchounwou et al, 2012). Cd, for example, is considered one of the most toxic metals in the environment and causes mutations (Royle et al, 1998; Tchounwou et al, 2012).…”

“…Most of the heavy metals have a cytotoxic effect as well as carcinogenic and/or mutagenic effects even if they are present in low concentrations (Shonouda et al, 2016; Tchounwou et al, 2012). Cd, for example, is considered one of the most toxic metals in the environment and causes mutations (Royle et al, 1998; Tchounwou et al, 2012).…”