Oxidative stress and exposure to metals

Abstract

Toxic metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic) are widely found in our environment. Humans are exposed to these metals from numerous sources, including contaminated air, water, soil, and food. Recent studies have indicated that transition metals act as catalysts in the oxidative reactions of biological macromolecules. Therefore, the toxicities associated with these metals might be due to oxidative tissue damage. Redox-active metals, such as iron, copper, and chromium, undergo redox cycling, whereas redox-inactive metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and others, deplete cells’ major antioxidants, particularly thiol-containing antioxidants and enzymes. This chapter focuses on the relation between oxidative stress and metals exposure.