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Heavy Metal Ions in Normal Physiology, Toxic Stress, and Cytoprotection
Author(s) -
LYNES MICHAEL A.,
KANG Y. JAMES,
SENSI STEFANO L.,
PERDRIZET GEORGE A.,
HIGHTOWER LAWRENCE E.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1391.010
Subject(s) - cytoprotection , heavy metals , metal toxicity , metal , chemistry , immune system , metal ions in aqueous solution , cellular stress response , toxicity , kidney , physiology , fight or flight response , oxidative stress , pharmacology , biology , environmental chemistry , biochemistry , endocrinology , immunology , organic chemistry , gene
: As a group, heavy metals include both those essential for normal biological functioning (e.g., Cu and Zn), and nonessential metals (e.g., Cd, Hg, and Pb). Both essential and nonessential metals can be present at concentrations that disturb normal biological functions, and which evoke cellular stress responses. The cellular targets for metal toxicity include tissues of the kidney, liver, heart, and the immune response and nervous systems. Intriguingly, manipulations of specific metals, their reservoirs, and the cellular stress response can have therapeutic effects on certain diseases. In this minireview, we will consider both the biological responses to stressful levels of heavy metal cations, and experimental and clinical manipulations of these cations as a means to improve human health parameters.