Thallium-induced DNA damage, genetic, and epigenetic alterations

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Molecular toxicology
• Genetics

Background:

• Thallium (Tl) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant found in industrial areas.
• Tl exposure causes systemic toxicity, affecting cell metabolism, redox balance, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the systemic toxic effects of thallium.
• To examine the impact of thallium on DNA, including genotoxicity and epigenetics.
• To address the role of thallium in cancer development and potential control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of past and recent evidence on thallium toxicity.
• Analysis of studies focusing on thallium's effects at the systemic and nuclear levels.

Main Results:

• Thallium induces significant alterations in cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and apoptotic pathways.
• Evidence highlights thallium's genotoxic effects, leading to DNA damage, mutations, and epigenetic changes.

Conclusions:

• Thallium exposure poses a significant risk due to its broad systemic and DNA-damaging effects.
• Understanding thallium's mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its health impacts and cancer risks.