Exploring the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity: a literature review
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Keyuna S. Cameron
Abstract
Nickel, a naturally occurring element that exists in various mineral forms, is mainly found in soil and sediment, and its mobilization is influenced by the physicochemical properties of the soil. Industrial sources of nickel include metallurgical processes such as electroplating, alloy production, stainless steel, and nickel-cadmium batteries. Nickel industries, oil- and coal-burning power plants, and trash incinerators have been implicated in its release into the environment. In humans, nickel toxicity is influenced by the route of exposure, dose, and solubility of the nickel compound. Lung inhalation is the major route of exposure for nickel-induced toxicity. Nickel can also be ingested or absorbed through the skin. The primary target organs are the kidneys and lungs. Other organs such as the liver, spleen, heart, and testes can also be affected to a lesser extent. Although the most common health effect is an allergic reaction, research has also demonstrated that nickel is carcinogenic to humans. The focus of the present review is on recent research concerning the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. We first present a background on the occurrence of nickel in the environment, human exposure, and human health effects.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
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- Publisher's Note
- Publisher’s Note
- Reviews
- Exploring the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity: a literature review
- Climate change and infectious diseases in New Zealand: a brief review and tentative research agenda
- Impact of ammunition and military explosives on human health and the environment
- Original Articles
- The value of ecologic studies: mercury concentration in ambient air and the risk of autism
- Methodological lessons and pilot data on the effect of proximity of homes and schools to highways on pediatric asthma and lung function
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Artikel in diesem Heft
- Publisher's Note
- Publisher’s Note
- Reviews
- Exploring the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity: a literature review
- Climate change and infectious diseases in New Zealand: a brief review and tentative research agenda
- Impact of ammunition and military explosives on human health and the environment
- Original Articles
- The value of ecologic studies: mercury concentration in ambient air and the risk of autism
- Methodological lessons and pilot data on the effect of proximity of homes and schools to highways on pediatric asthma and lung function
- Environmental and demographic risk factors associated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in the Alice rural settlements of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: a pilot study
