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Stress proteins induced by arsenic.
L M Del Razo1, B Quintanilla-Vega, E Brambila-Colombres
1Sección de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico National, Mexico City, Mexico.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|December 13, 2001
Summary
Arsenicals, particularly arsenite, induce stress proteins like heat shock proteins (Hsp) as a cellular defense mechanism. This stress response can serve as a biomarker for monitoring sublethal toxicity from arsenic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Stress Response
Background:
- Elevated stress protein expression is a universal cellular defense against adverse conditions.
- Arsenicals are known to induce major stress protein families, including heat shock proteins (Hsp).
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review how arsenicals modulate stress protein expression and accumulation.
- To discuss the physiological consequences of arsenic-induced stress.
- To evaluate the utility of stress response as a monitoring tool for arsenic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on arsenical exposure and stress protein induction.
- Analysis of factors influencing Hsp induction (e.g., arsenical properties, exposure type).
Main Results:
- Arsenite is a potent inducer of most Hsp across various organs and systems.
- Hsp induction is a rapid, dose-dependent response to acute arsenite exposure (1-8 hours).
- Stress protein levels correlate with arsenical properties like target reach and valence.
Conclusions:
- Arsenic exposure triggers a significant stress protein response.
- The stress response is a valuable indicator for monitoring sublethal toxicity from arsenic exposure in humans and other organisms.