Why do heavy metals cause cancer?

(2) Heavy metals directly or indirectly induce ROS generation and cause gastric mucosal and DNA lesions, which subsequently alter gene regulation, signal transduction, and cell growth, ultimately leading to carcinogenesis. Exposure to heavy metals also enhances gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

What metals causes cancer?

This includes the five metallic agents considered human carcinogens, namely arsenic and arsenic compounds, beryllium and beryllium compounds, cadmium and cadmium compounds, chromium(VI) compounds, and nickel compounds, all of which are proven carcinogens in laboratory animals as well.

Why heavy metals are toxic?

The main mechanism of heavy metal toxicity include the generation of free radicals to cause oxidative stress, damage of biological molecules such as enzymes, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, damage of DNA which is key to carcinogenesis as well as neurotoxicity.

What heavy metal causes brain damage or cancer?

Heavy metals are commonly present in the environment [1]. Prolonged exposure to these elements, including arsenic, nickel, lead, and cadmium, has been associated with various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases [2].

Why are heavy metals called heavy?

The term heavy metal refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. As trace elements, some heavy metals (e.g. copper, selenium, zinc) are essential to maintain the metabolism of the human body.

What are the main sources of heavy metals?

Reported sources of heavy metals in the environment include geogenic, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, domestic effluents, and atmospheric sources [4]. Environmental pollution is very prominent in point source areas such as mining, foundries and smelters, and other metal-based industrial operations [1, 3, 4].

Which metal can cause lung cancer?

At least some forms of arsenic, chromium and nickel are well established lung carcinogens in humans. There is also evidence for increased lung cancer mortality in cadmium workers and in iron or steel workers.

Can heavy metals cause leukemia?

In another study, high levels of serum nickel were determined to be statistically significant in patients with breast cancer, suggesting that exposure has potentially carcinogenic consequences [83]. Exposure to this heavy metal has also been associated with the development of acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia.

What are the effects of heavy metal pollution on human body?

Several acute and chronic toxic effects of heavy metals affect different body organs. Gastrointestinal and kidney dysfunction, nervous system disorders, skin lesions, vascular damage, immune system dysfunction, birth defects, and cancer are examples of the complications of heavy metals toxic effects.

What is the role of heavy metals?

Heavy metals disrupt metabolic functions in two ways: They accumulate and thereby disrupt function in vital organs and glands such as the heart, brain, kidneys, bone, liver, etc. They displace the vital nutritional minerals from their original place, thereb, hindering their biological function.

What is heavy metal intoxication?

Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary according to the metal accumulated.

What is heavy metal toxins?

Heavy metal poisoning refers to when excessive exposure to a heavy metal affects the normal function of the body. Examples of heavy metals that can cause toxicity include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. Exposure may occur through the diet, from medications, from the environment, or in the course of work or play.

What is heavy metal contamination?

Click here to read the “Medical Disclaimer.” What is Heavy Metal Contamination? Heavy Metal Contamination is a general term given to describe a condition in which people have abnormally high levels of toxic metals in the body. Common examples are mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic.