Arsenome, Arsenobolome, and Arsenobiolome

A complete characterisation of the potential biological implications of any chemical species requires assessing as much information as possible about the dose of all physicochemical forms involved in its metabolic pathways or any other biological activity (beneficial or harmful). Research investigating the biological significance of arsenic species in living systems needs to involve not only the chemical characterisation of the complete set of arsenic-containing species (arsenome), but also the distinction of all arsenic-bearing metabolites (arsenobolome) and those arsenic-containing species involved directly in specific beneficial or harmful processes (arsenobiolome). This work offers insight into the above considerations regarding arsenic species that are of toxicological significance. We highlight the differences in the metabolic and toxicological behaviour of inorganic (iAs) and organoarsenic (oAs) species, focusing on mechanistic clarification, particularly in signalling transduction, chronic effects, genotoxicity, and oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. The beneficial applications of arsenic compounds in the treatment of cancer and other diseases have also been noted. Furthermore, we also seek efficient diagnosis of intoxication by iAs and overcoming of adverse effects.