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Toxic effects of fluoride on organisms
Huan Zuo1, Liang Chen1, Ming Kong1
1Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
Life Sciences
|February 13, 2018
Summary
Excess fluoride in the environment harms plants, animals, and humans, impacting health and ecosystems. This review explores fluoride toxicity mechanisms, including oxidative stress and cellular damage, to understand its adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Environmental fluoride accumulation presents significant health risks to ecosystems and organisms.
- Fluoride toxicity affects plant, animal, and human health, disrupting growth, development, and food chains.
- Ecological balance is threatened by widespread fluoride contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the adverse effects of excessive fluoride exposure.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fluoride toxicity.
- To enhance understanding of fluoride's impact on various organisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on fluoride toxicity.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress and cellular damage.
- Synthesis of data on effects across different species.
Main Results:
- Fluoride exposure induces oxidative stress and disrupts cellular redox homeostasis.
- Mitochondrial damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress are key consequences of fluoride toxicity.
- Altered gene expression is a significant molecular response to excess fluoride.
Conclusions:
- Excess fluoride poses a multi-organismal threat, impacting health and ecological stability.
- Understanding molecular pathways is crucial for mitigating fluoride's adverse effects.
- Further research is needed to fully comprehend and address fluoride toxicity.
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