Heavy Metals Toxicity: Mechanism, Health Effects, and Therapeutic Interventions Original paper

What Was Reviewed?

This review article focuses on the mechanisms, health effects, and therapeutic interventions related to the toxicity of heavy metals (HMs) such as chromium, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. It consolidates extensive research findings on the biochemical properties of these metals and their impact on human health. The review investigates the molecular and cellular effects of heavy metals, including enzyme inhibition, DNA damage, oxidative stress (OS), and protein dysfunction. Furthermore, the article discusses the toxic effects of these metals on various organ systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive systems, and their role in cancer development. It emphasises the need for improved understanding and interventions to address the significant health risks posed by these pollutants.

Who was Reviewed?

The review article examines various studies and research on heavy metals (HMs), specifically focusing on their toxicity mechanisms, health effects, and therapeutic interventions. The subjects of the review are the biological systems and human health in response to exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead. It synthesizes findings from multiple studies that have investigated the impacts of these metals on human physiology, particularly their toxicity at the molecular and cellular levels, and the therapeutic methods developed to mitigate these effects. Therefore, it is not focused on individual people or specific groups but rather on the collective findings from the body of research surrounding these toxic substances and their effects on human health.

What Were the Most Important Findings?

The review provides detailed insights into how heavy metals exert their toxic effects, including their interference with cellular functions such as enzyme activity, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis. These disruptions are compounded by oxidative stress, where heavy metals induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), further exacerbating cellular damage. One key finding is the way these metals can accumulate in human tissues, leading to chronic toxicity that affects multiple organ systems. For instance, mercury and lead exposure can cause neurological damage, while cadmium is particularly harmful to kidney function. The review also identifies the role of heavy metals in the development of cancer, suggesting that their ability to induce DNA damage and gene mutations plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of therapeutic interventions like chelation therapy, antioxidants, and emerging strategies such as nanotechnology and gene therapy to mitigate these toxic effects.

What Are the Greatest Implications of This Review?

The review highlights the urgent need for more effective treatment options and preventive measures against heavy metal toxicity. It calls for continued research into the biochemical mechanisms that underlie metal toxicity and advocates for multidisciplinary approaches to address this global health challenge. By improving understanding of the toxicity pathways, the review sets the stage for developing more targeted and efficient therapeutic strategies. Moreover, it stresses the importance of reducing environmental exposure to heavy metals through stricter regulations and public health initiatives. These findings are crucial for clinicians and public health experts to develop better management strategies for populations at risk of heavy metal exposure.