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Effects of molybdenum on the organism (a review)
Abstract:
Molybdenum belongs to a group of essential microelements and occurs in all components of the environment. Major Mo sources for man are foods, especially vegetable, to a lesser extent drinking water. Its metabolism is primarily influenced by interaction with other metals, specifically copper and iron. In the organism it is primarily accumulated in the liver, kidneys, skin and hard tissues. In the blood it binds specifically with alpha-2-macroglobulin, in the erythrocytic membrane with spectrin; it enhances the osmotic resistance of red blood cells. From the organism it is eliminated in the urine, bile and feces. The biochemical importance of molybdenum lies in that it catalyzes the oxidation of xanthine and purine bases and the reduction of nitrates and molecular nitrogen; it is also present in the prosthetic group of flavoprotein enzymes. As shown in both epidemiological and animal studies, molybdenum ions may prevent dental caries. Long-term overexposure to Mo may produce molybdenosis (teart) in cattle. Increased exposures of humans may be primarily encountered in the foundry industry, but the toxic manifestations are invariably nonspecific, similarly as in the case of other heavy metals. Molybdenum-exposed workers may also show elevated uric acid concentrations in their blood, simultaneously with clinical symptoms resembling gout (gout-like syndrome). A similar finding may also occur among individuals living in areas characterized by elevated molybdenum and decreased copper contents in soil. The maximum allowable concentration limits established for soluble and insoluble molybdenum compounds in the workplace air have been accepted in many countries, but their values vary in a wide range. No specific exposure test for molybdenum has been developed as yet.
Insights
Molybdenum is an essential trace element found in food and water. While it plays a role in vital biochemical processes and may prevent dental caries, overexposure can lead to health issues like molybdenosis and a gout-like syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element ubiquitous in the environment, with dietary intake primarily from vegetables and water.
- Its metabolism is influenced by copper and iron, and it accumulates in organs like the liver and kidneys.
- Molybdenum is crucial for enzymes catalyzing oxidation and reduction reactions, including nitrogen metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the environmental occurrence, biological roles, and health implications of molybdenum.
- To discuss molybdenum's impact on human and animal health, including beneficial and toxic effects.
- To review current knowledge on molybdenum exposure, metabolism, and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and animal studies on molybdenum.
- Analysis of molybdenum's biochemical functions and toxicological effects.
- Examination of environmental sources and human exposure pathways.
Main Results:
- Molybdenum ions can prevent dental caries; however, long-term overexposure causes molybdenosis in cattle.
- Human exposure, particularly in industries like foundries, can lead to nonspecific toxic effects and a gout-like syndrome.
- Molybdenum binds to alpha-2-macroglobulin in blood and enhances red blood cell resistance.
Conclusions:
- Molybdenum is a vital trace element with dual roles, offering benefits like caries prevention but posing risks with overexposure.
- Occupational and environmental exposure requires monitoring due to potential adverse health effects, including a gout-like syndrome.
- Further research is needed, as no specific exposure test for molybdenum has been developed.