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Biomedical Applications of Metals pp 297–319Cite as

Biochemical and Molecular Targets of Heavy Metals and Their Actions

Abstract

Heavy metals belong to the groups of transition elements and are defined in terms of their chemical properties, atomic weight, density, or specific gravity as compared to water. Heavy metals could be metalloids, lanthanides, and actinides. The heavy metals reach into humans and animals through contaminated air and water as well as food stuffs especially from fish, chicken, vegetables, vaccinations, dental fillings, and deodorants. Most of the heavy metals, when accumulated in excess, induce toxicity by damaging the central nervous system (CNS), energy metabolism, ion-transporters , cardiovascular systems, respiratory systems, reproductory systems , and vital organs such as lungs, liver, and brain leading to the physical, physiological, and behavioral disorders. Arsenic (As) has been shown to generate skin diseases and cancer; lead (Pb) poisoning induces infertility and neurotoxicity/neurodegeneration ; and mercury (Hg) intake causes harmful effects in lactating mothers, fetuses, and children. Cadmium (Cd) , considered to act like both an occupational and non-occupational toxicant, has been reported to be one of the carcinogens . The strategies to combat heavy metals toxicity include appropriate intake of antioxidants , phytochemicals , and minerals. The present chapter is an endeavor to illustrate an updated account of various aspects of heavy metals toxicity with a particular reference to their biomedical implications as well as the use of phytochemicals and minerals toward the treatment of their adverse effects.

Keywords

  • Heavy metals
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury
  • Zinc
  • Mechanisms
  • Toxicity

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Acknowledgements

AK, NS, and VKG are grateful to University Grants Commission-New Delhi for providing financial support in the form of research fellowships. RP acknowledges UGC-New Delhi for providing financial support. The work is supported by DST-FIST and UGC-SAP programs in the department.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Abhishek Kumar, Nitika Singh, Vivek Kumar Gupta & Bechan Sharma

  2. Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31-Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Rukmani Pandey

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  1. Abhishek Kumar
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  1. Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

    Prof. Mahendra Rai

  2. Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

    Dr. Avinash P. Ingle

  3. Departmento Di Chimica Farmacia, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy

    Dr. Serenella Medici

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Kumar, A., Singh, N., Pandey, R., Gupta, V.K., Sharma, B. (2018). Biochemical and Molecular Targets of Heavy Metals and Their Actions. In: Rai, M., Ingle, A., Medici, S. (eds) Biomedical Applications of Metals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74814-6_14

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