Arsenic inorganic exposure, metabolism, genetic biomarkers and its impact on human health: A mini-review

Inorganic arsenic species exist in the environment as a result of both natural sources, such as volcanic and geothermal activities, and geological formations, as well as anthropogenic activities, including smelting, exploration of fossil fuels, coal burning, mining, and the use of pesticides. These species deposit in water, rocks, soil, sediments, and the atmosphere. Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a global public health issue because of its natural prevalence and toxicity. Therefore, chronic exposure to arsenic can have deleterious effect on humans, including cancer and other diseases. This work describes the mechanisms of environmental exposure to arsenic, molecular regulatory factors involved in its metabolism, genetic polymorphisms affecting individual susceptibility and the toxic effects of arsenic on human health (oxidative stress, DNA damage and cancer). We conclude that the role of single nucleotide variants affecting urinary excretion of arsenic metabolites are highly relevant and can be used as biomarkers of the intracellular retention rates of arsenic, showing new avenues of research in this field.