The Toxicity of Carcinogenic Metals to the Brain

Abstract

Metal toxicity is often associated with inflammatory diseases and carcinogenesis. Various metal compounds have the capacity to induce DNA damage and elicit epigenetic changes that contribute to cell transformation and cancer. Understanding the altered pathways elicited by these metals and metal compounds aid in the preventative care as well as establishment of therapy regimens. As the ambient environment becomes contaminated with these toxic metals, studies have also demonstrated a growing capacity of metals designated as carcinogens to also exhibit neurotoxicity. The brain is often thought as a protected organ within the confines of the skull and protected from foreign substances by the blood brain barrier. Unfortunately, carcinogenic metals exist as compounds conferring their ability to enter the brain and accumulate, and in many instances they do so by destroying the blood brain barrier. The presence and accumulation of these pernicious compounds activates pathways that alter neurochemistry that support cognitive and motor function