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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Role of arsenic as a reproductive toxin with particular attention to neural tube defects

S L Shalat1, D B Walker, R H Finnell

  • 1Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4458, USA.

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
|June 28, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Inorganic arsenic exposure may harm reproduction and development, potentially causing birth defects like neural tube defects (NTDs). Further research is needed, especially on organic arsenic compounds.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Developmental Toxicology
  • Reproductive Toxicology

Background:

  • Arsenic is a known human toxicant and carcinogen with documented adverse effects on developing embryos in animal studies.
  • Reproductive toxicity of arsenic is a growing concern, with potential impacts on spontaneous abortion and birth defects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the existing human and animal literature on the reproductive toxicity of arsenic.
  • To examine the role of arsenic in the causation of neural tube defects (NTDs) and explore potential mechanisms.
  • To discuss environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of human and animal studies on arsenic's reproductive and developmental toxicity.
  • Analysis of data on endpoints such as spontaneous abortion, cardiovascular defects, and neural tube defects (NTDs).
  • Review of literature on arsenic exposure in general and occupational environments.

Main Results:

  • Animal studies indicate profound detrimental effects of arsenic on developing embryos.
  • Arsenic is implicated in spontaneous abortion, cardiovascular defects, and neural tube defects (NTDs).
  • Various mechanisms for arsenic-induced NTDs have been postulated in the literature.

Conclusions:

  • While further research is needed, particularly on organic arsenical compounds, current evidence suggests inorganic arsenic should be considered a probable human reproductive toxin.
  • Prudent management of inorganic arsenic exposure is recommended due to its potential reproductive risks.
  • Understanding arsenic's environmental and occupational presence is crucial for risk assessment.

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