Toxicity of inorganic arsenic to animals and its treatment strategies

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2023 Sep:271:109654. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109654. Epub 2023 May 23.

Abstract

In nature, arsenic is mostly found in the form of inorganic compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds have a variety of uses and are currently used in the manufacture of pesticides, preservatives, pharmaceuticals, etc. While inorganic arsenic is widely used, arsenic pollution is increasing worldwide. Public hazards caused by arsenic contamination of drinking water and soil are becoming increasingly evident. Epidemiological and experimental studies have linked inorganic arsenic exposure to the development of many diseases, including cognitive impairment, cardiovascular failure, cancer, etc. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effects caused by arsenic, such as oxidative damage, DNA methylation, and protein misfolding. Understanding the toxicology and potential molecular mechanisms of arsenic can help mitigate its harmful effects. Therefore, this paper reviews the multiple organ toxicity of inorganic arsenic in animals, focusing on the various toxicity mechanisms of arsenic-induced diseases in animals. In addition, we have summarized several drugs that can have therapeutic effects on arsenic poisoning in pursuit of reducing the harm of arsenic contamination from different pathways.

Keywords: Arsenic toxicity; Inorganic arsenic; Methylation, oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arsenic Poisoning* / drug therapy
  • Arsenic Poisoning* / metabolism
  • Arsenic* / analysis
  • Arsenic* / toxicity
  • Arsenicals*
  • Drinking Water*
  • Environmental Pollution

Substances

  • Arsenic
  • Arsenicals
  • Drinking Water