Trace metals and neoplasia

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Molecular biology
• Carcinogenesis

Background:

• Trace metals are known to induce cancerous growths in animals and cause cellular mutations.
• Nickel is identified as a particularly potent carcinogen among these metals.
• Occupational exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel in refineries is linked to increased cancer incidence, especially pulmonary carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between trace metals and malignant neoplasms in humans.
• To examine the evidence linking mutagenic metal ions to alterations in DNA synthesis fidelity.
• To highlight the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of metal ion effects on genetic processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on trace metals, cancer incidence, and mutagenicity.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating the effects of metal ions on DNA synthesis in vitro using purified DNA polymerases.
• Evaluation of in vivo studies showing mutagenic or carcinogenic effects of metal ions.

Main Results:

• Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and beryllium are associated with human malignant neoplasms.
• Inhalation of these metals in occupational settings correlates with higher rates of pulmonary carcinoma and other cancers.
• Mutagenic metal ions have been shown to alter the fidelity of DNA synthesis, impacting DNA replication, RNA transcription, and translation.

Conclusions:

• Several trace metals are implicated as human carcinogens, with nickel being particularly potent.
• Occupational exposure to specific metals poses a significant cancer risk.
• Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms by which metal ions affect DNA replication, RNA transcription, and translation is warranted.