Combined Molecular Toxicity Mechanism of Heavy Metals Mixtures

This chapter delves into the combined molecular toxicity mechanisms of heavy metal mixtures, focusing on their pervasive presence due to industrial activities and their impact on human health. The authors highlight the significance of bioaccumulation of heavy metals through ingestion and inhalation, which can lead to various health implications. The chapter highlights the multifaceted effects of heavy metal mixtures on the cardiovascular system, contributing to diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension through oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. It details the molecular interactions of these metals with proteins, particularly the inhibition of ATPases and the promotion of oxidative damage, leading to vascular dysfunction. The chapter briefly touches upon the link between cadmium exposure and prostate cancer, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying this association. Additionally, it mentions the potential effects of zinc sulfate exposure on olfactory neuron subtypes in adult fish, suggesting that heavy metals can disrupt sensory systems in aquatic organisms. Moreover, the chapter explores the neurotoxicity of heavy metals, discussing their impact on the nervous system and the potential for neurodevelopmental disorders. It also examines the effects of heavy metal exposure on the male and female reproductive systems, with evidence suggesting disruptions in hormone levels, sperm quality, and fertility. The authors call for enhanced monitoring of heavy metal exposure levels in the general population to better understand its health implications. They emphasize the need for further research into the mechanisms by which heavy metals contribute to health, to inform clinical treatments and public health interventions. By highlighting the mechanisms of bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and time-dependent responses, the study sheds light on the urgent need for further research and intervention strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal exposure on human health and the environment.