Metals in clinical medicine: the induction of apoptosis by metal compounds

✍ Scribed by H. F. Krug

• Book ID: 102500543
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 162 KB
• Volume: 33
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0933-5137
• DOI: 10.1002/mawe.200290009

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, plays a central role in animal development and tissue homeostasis. Since its discovery interest increases in the biological as well as in medical aspects of this genetic program. On the one hand, missing or low induction of apoptosis is connected to an increased cancer risk, on the other hand, an excessive occurrence of cell death results in serious consequences for the whole organism. An early death of immune competent cells may weaken the immune defense. Additionally, the acceptance of transplanted organs or synthetic prostheses is decreased when surrounding tissues are induced to undergo apoptosis. Particularly metallic ingredients or impurities in alloys or plastic materials may interfere with cellular signal transduction pathways that induce apoptosis leading to detrimental effects. The review summarises recent publications on apoptosis induced by metals and metal compounds with the aim of providing a better understanding of the connection between the apoptotic machinery and the toxic effects of metals in medicine.