Insight Into the Mechanisms of Aquatic Heavy Metal Intoxication in Modulating Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Fish:
Ahmed Mohamed Soliman1, Michael Ibrahim Boushra2, Donia Mohamed Hussien2
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Heavy metals harm fish health by causing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review explores programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms, like apoptosis and ferroptosis, in heavy metal toxicity impacting fish and human health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Aquatic toxicology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Heavy metals are persistent environmental pollutants with detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, particularly fish.
- Fish health is compromised by heavy metal exposure, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and developmental issues.
- Contaminated fish pose a risk to human health due to heavy metal bioaccumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms involved in heavy metal-induced toxicity in fish.
- To elucidate the roles of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, oxeiptosis, necroptosis, and cuPANoptosis in fish exposed to heavy metals.
- To highlight the importance of understanding these PCD pathways for disease prevention and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific databases.
- Analysis of studies on heavy metal toxicity in fish.
- Synthesis of information on various programmed cell death pathways.
Main Results:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways are critical in the pathogenesis of heavy metal toxicity in fish.
- Diverse PCD mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, oxeiptosis, necroptosis, and cuPANoptosis, are implicated.
- Understanding these pathways is essential for assessing toxicological impacts and developing mitigation strategies.
Conclusions:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a significant role in heavy metal toxicity in fish.
- Further research into specific PCD mechanisms can lead to better biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
- Protecting fish health from heavy metal contamination is crucial for both ecosystem integrity and human food safety.
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