Abstract

Environmental exposure to arsenic, is a major concern in many industrialized countries. Although metals occur naturally in the environment but human activities cause more metals releases and have altered the natural cycling of the elements. These exposures occurs mostly from diet (water and food consumption), inhalation from air and metals related occupational exposure like leaded gasoline, industrial processes such as smelting of lead and its combustion, pottery, boat building, mining industry, exhaust fumes of vehicles, metal based painting, metal containing pipes, battery recycling, grids, arm industry, pigments, printing of books, etc Exposure to arsenic may affect nutrient metabolism and can cause a variety of health effects in human. Cancer, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicicty, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, brain damage, lungs damage, gastrointestinal distress and haematological alterations are the most frequently documented health implication associated with arsenic intoxication. Consequently, this this paper provide a deep understanding of arsenic, their sources, routes of exposure, the mechanisms of occasioning their toxicity, health implications in human and to identify substances that contribute to overcome their hazardous effects in human.

Keywords: Arsenic; Toxicity; Health Effect; Diagnosis; Treatment

Introduction

Heavy metals are metallic element with specific density of > 5 g/cm3 and are present in little quantity (ppb range to less than 10ppm) in various environmental matrices [1,2]. They include lead, mercury, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, nickel etc. Their wide ranges of application in agriculture, medicine and industrial have led to their wide environmental distribution and have call for concern over their potential effects on human health and the environment [2]. They are present in our body at a low concentration but can adversely affect the environment and living organisms [3]. Their presence in soil, water, food, atmosphere even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. These exposures occur mostly through environmental contamination, occupational exposure, and accumulation in water, and food such as fish and vegetables. It is suggested that exposure to one heavy metal is usually associated with exposure to the others, thus synergetic toxicity of these heavy metals is expected. The bioavailability of these heavy metals are influenced by physical factors (phase association, temperature, adsorption and sequestration), chemical factors (kinetics, thermodynamic equilibrium and lipid solubility) and biological factors (species difference, trophic interactions, and physiological/ biochemical adaptation) [2, 4,5].

They are ranked among the top 10 of hazardous substances on the basis of the toxicity and the potential for exposure from water, soil, and air contamination [6]. Cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury have been implicated with majority of heavy metal associated disease in primary care medicine [7]. Heavy metals exert deleterious health effects by generating reactive oxygen species, which altered the integrity of DNA, induced lipid peroxidation, and reduction of protein sulfhydryls [8]. These greatly affect the integrity of vital organs particularly to the liver, nervous system, and kidneys [9]. The implicative role of heavy metal intoxication in cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is also well documented [10,11]. Although the cardiovascular system is not the primary target of heavy metal toxicity, Heavy metal induced degradation of antioxidant system leading to oxidative stress in the cells as a major effect of their environmental exposure [11]. The first step towards managing heavy metal poisoning is the removal of the victim from the source of exposure and the lessening of total body burden. Antioxidants particularly endogenous dietary antioxidants from natural products [12] are the important preventive and curative factors to be considered in heavy metal intoxication. The main focus of this review is to provide insight into the sources of arsenic and mercury contamination, mechanism of toxicity, various organs they affect in human body and their harmful effects on the environment and living organisms.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a chemical element with atomic number 33 and chemical symbol As. It occurs as pure elemental crystal or in combination with metals and sulfur. Arsenic is a metalloid with various allotropes, but only the gray form, which has a metallic appearance, is important to industry [2].

Occurrence, Sources and Human Exposure

Arsenic is one of the most important heavy metals with semimetallic property that occur at low concentrations in inorganic forms of trivalent arsenite (AsIII) and the pentavalent arsenate (AsV). About 90% of ingested arsenic is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract [8]. However, pentavalent arsenicals (AsV) show a lower uptake rate and accumulation in the cellular system than trivalent species (AsIII) [13]. In addition, trivalent arsenite (AsIII) have high affinity for sulhydryl (–SH) groups of proteins than the pentavalent arsenate (AsV), thus making it more toxic than its counterpart, AsV [14]. It is widely available in the form of sulfides, oxides or salt of sodium, iron, copper, and calcium [15]. Sources of arsenic contamination in human include soil, air, food and drinking water due to contamination from arsenic containing industrial effluent, agricultural pesticide, or natural mineral deposition. Its contamination of drinking water poses serious global environmental disaster [16]. About 200 million people are exposed to arsenic at level above the prescribed limit through drinking water [17]. Food particularly, staple crop such as rice provide the largest source of arsenic exposure. In view of the global consumption of rice and greater risk of contamination through this crop, a maximum permissible limit of arsenic in white and brown rice has been set to 200 and 400 μg/kg respectively by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines [18].

Arsenic poisoning may also occur in case of suicidal or accidental intake of arsenic containing pesticides, insecticides, or other chemicals [19]. Environmental exposure due to natural phenomena such as erosion, anthropogenic activities and volcanic eruptions has been reported [20]. Human exposure to this heavy metal may occur orally, inhalation and through dermal contact [2,21].The concentrations of arsenic in air varies with locations , it ranged between 1 and 3 ng/m3 in remote area, and ranged between 20 to 100 ng/m3 in cities [2,21]. Its concentration also ranges between 20 to 140 ng/kg in foods [22], 1 to 40 mg/kg in soil [2], and less than 10μg/L in water. However, the level of arsenic intake from water, soil and air are much lower than from food substances

Mechanism of Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic is a protoplastic toxicant that primarily affects the sulphydryl group of cells and compromised the integrity of cell enzymes and cellular respiration [8]. During chronic arsenic exposure, harmful inorganic arsenic compounds are enzymatically methylated by humans and organisms (fungi, bacteria, and algae) to produce less harmful Monomethylarsonic Acid (MMA) and Dimethylarsinic Acid (DMA) and are which excreted through urine. These end products are considered reliable biomarker of chronic arsenic exposure [23]. However, Pigmentation and keratosis (Figure 1) are the specific skin lesions that indicate chronic arsenic toxicity [24]. The biotransformation occurs primarily in the liver, a reaction catalysed by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and Glutathione (GSH)/ NADPH dependent hepatic methyltransferases [25]. The methyl group is donated by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) while the Glutathione (GSH) serves as the redundant [26,27]. However, other tissues such as heart, lung, bladder and kidney, and bladder have also reported for the expression of folate dependent methyltransferases [25]. Therefore, the binding of arsenic species to GSH enhanced the success of the biotransformation and increases its elimination from the body.

Monomethylarsonic acid (MMA III), is an intermediate product generated during this biotransformation. It is considered more toxic than the parent compound due to the higher affinity for sulfhydryl (–SH) groups [28]. It remains in the cell and cannot be excreted in the urine. Accumulation of this intermediate compound has been attributed to arsenic-induced carcinogenesis [15]. Evidence from in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity study ranked the relative toxicities of arsenic metabolites in order; MMAIII >DMAIII > AsIII > AsV > MMAV > DMAV [8, 28,29].

Clinical Features

Arsenic has been classified as class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer [10]. It has been reported to cause cancer of the lungs, skin, urinary bladder, liver, and kidney [30]. Arsenic has been reported to be neurotoxic, teratogenic, embryotoxic and fetal growth retardation agent in animals [31]. It has also been reported to induce anemia, gastrointestinal effects, skin lesions (Figure 2), neuropathy, hyperpigmentation, vascular lesions, liver damage and renal damage [20]. Cardiovascular system, nervous system, pulmonary system, endocrine system, and reproductive system has also been reported to be adversely affected by chronic arsenic ingestion [32]. Maternal arsenic exposure has also been reported to adversely affect T cell and B cell [33]. However, Pigmentation and keratosis are the specific skin lesions that indicate chronic arsenic toxicity [24]. 2.4 Acute poisoning. Acute arsenic poisoning may also occur in case of suicidal or accidental intake of arsenic containing pesticides, insecticides, or other chemicals [19]. The LD50 of arsenic during acute exposure ranges between 100-300 mg [34].

However, information contained in the Risk Assessment Information System database states “The acute lethal dose of inorganic arsenic to humans has been estimated to be about 0.6 mg/kg/day [35] However, a concentration less than 5 mg arsenic exposure could lead to diarrhoea and vomiting that disappear 12 without treatment intervention [35]. Depending on the concentration of arsenic ingested, death usually occurs within 24 to 96 hours [34]. A case study of patient who consumed 8 g and 30 g of arsenic reported that death occur in 8 days and 15 hours respectively, despite treatment with arsenic antidote (British anti-lewisite) and gastric lavage intervention [36,37]. The clinical features of acute arsenic poisoning are relating to disturbed gastrointestinal system such as profuse watery diarrhoea (choleroid diarrhoea). due to increased permeability of the blood vessels [34], vomiting, nausea and colicky abdominal pain, that mimic an acute abdomen [38] Other clinical features include excessive salivation, diffuse skin rash, acute psychosis, seizure and toxic cardiomyopathy [39].The massive fluid loss due to gastrointestinal tract secretion has different consequent effect ranging from severe dehydration, decrease volume of blood circulation to circulatory collapse [34], Gastritis, oesophagitis and hepatic steatosis are the commonly reported postmortem findings [35].

Intravascular coagulation, haemaglobinuria, bone marrow depression, normocytic normochromic anaemia, severe pancytopenia and basophilic stippling are the common Haematological alteration in acute arsenic poisoning [40]. Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning and may lead to severe weakness with demands of mechanical ventilation [40] , a condition similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome [41,42].Arsenic induce haemorrhage has also been attributed to encephalopathy and has been reported after intravenous administration of arsphenamines [43] Metabolic alteration including acidosis hypoglycaemia and hypocalcaemia has also been reported in human and animals expose to acute arsenic poisoning [44].

Chronic Poisoning

Chronic arsenic exposure has multisystem effect and the most serious consequence is malignancy [45]. However, geographical location, individual and population differences have a great impact in the manifestation of arsenic toxicity. Arsenic has been classified as class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer [10]. It has been reported to cause cancer of the lungs, skin, urinary bladder, liver, and kidney [30]. Arsenic has been reported to be neurotoxic, teratogenic, embryotoxic and foetal growth retardation agent in animals [31]. It has also been reported to induce anemia, gastrointestinal effects, skin lesions (Figure 3), neuropathy, hyperpigmentation, vascular lesions, and hepatorenal damage [20]. Cardiovascular system, nervous system, pulmonary system, endocrine system, and reproductive system has also been reported to be adversely affected by chronic arsenic ingestion [32]. Maternal arsenic exposure has also been reported to adversely affect T cell and B cell [33]. However, Pigmentation and keratosis are the specific skin lesions that indicate chronic arsenic toxicity [24] Skin (Dermatological changes).

Dermatological alterations particularly palmar, solar keratosis and hyperpigmentation are considered an initial and reliable diagnostic criterion for chronic arsenic exposure. The keratosis appear as a discrete nodules and uniform thickening [44], while the hyperpigmentation appears less discrete diffuse, dark brown spots of the skin [45]. Non-melanin pigmented skin are more susceptible to high basal cell carcinoma [46], with latent period of about 60 years. This has been documented in workers using arsenic pesticides, patients following treatment with Fowler’s solution, and has been associated with consumption of arsenic contaminated wine [47]. Arsenic deposition in keratin-rich areas such as Mee’s lines (white lines in the fingernails and toenails) has also been implicated [48]. High arsenic contamination in drinking water has been correlated with hyperpigmentation and keratosis in a report of population studies from West Bengal in India [44]. Poor nutritional status has been reported to enhanced arsenic poisoning induced dermatological changes [44]. However, [49] reported that arsenic induced skin lesions occur despite a good nutritional status of Atacameno people in northern Chile.

Hepatic Impairment

About 77% and 91.3% hepatomegaly and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis were recorded in 248 patients exposed to chronic levels of arsenic in drinking water from West Bengal, India [44]. Chronic arsenic exposure has also been implicated incomplete septal cirrhosis in 5 of 42 patients exposed arsenic intoxication [50].

Cardiovascular System

Chronic arsenic exposure has been implicated in cardiac arrhythmias direct myocardial impairment and cardiomyopathy [3]. Effect of chronic arsenic poisoning on cardiovascular impairment has been reported in different woman populations. [3] reported high incidence of hypertension in 1481 Bangladesh population that were exposed to arsenic contaminated water. Similarly, [10] reported a significant increase in hypertensive heart disease induced mortality in a population of Millard County, USA that were exposed to arsenic. [16] also established a link between ischaemic heart disease and long term arsenic exposure in 74 Taiwan patients. Chronic exposure to arsenic from contaminated water has also been associated with peripheral vascular impairment in patient from Chile [17] and black foot disease, a peripheral vascular disease, which causes gangrene of the foot in south western coast of Taiwan. Swedish copper smelter have also been postulated to be highly susceptible to arsenic induced cardiovascular disease [18].

Neurological System

The neurological system is one of the sites for manifestation of arsenic intoxication. Most frequently encountered is finding is a Guillain-Barré syndrome-like peripheral neuropathy with similar electromyographic attribute. Arsenic intoxication also manifest in memory loss confusion, and behavioural changes. Temporal cognitive abnormalities have been documented in workers exposed to arsenic for 14–18 months. Cognitive stability was however achieved after withdrawal from the arsenic source increased prevalence of cerebral infarction and other cerebrovascular abnormalities, were recorded in 8102 population that were exposed to arsenic through contaminated water [29].

Genitourinary System

High level of arsenic contamination has been associated with adenocarcinomas of the bladder and transitional cell carcinomas of the kidney, bladder, ureter I Taiwan female and male population [30]. Arsenic induced nephritis and prostate cancer has also increase mortality rate in exposed patient. Carcinogenicity of arsenic has been postulated to be cell dependent and specific. However, contrary to this, [31] found an association between arsenic intoxication with bladder cancer risk but not kidney cancer. Arsenic exposure could be detrimental to the foetus; studies found out that placental arsenic concentration in pregnant women, who consumed 200 μg/l arsenic contaminated water was almost to 5 concentrations in non-expose pregnant women. Children under breastfeeding are also found vulnerable to arsenic intoxication from the mother.

Respiratory System

Chronic arsenic intoxication has been linked to obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Arsenic induced respiratory impairments or lung disease is more commonly observed in patients with the skin lesions. In concordance, Taiwan patients with black foot disease has been observed for increased incidence of bronchitis. Although the reason is not known, the possibility of increased deposition of arsenic in the lung has been postulated and supported by necropsy studies human.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The important biomarkers of arsenic exposure are the urinary excretion and its concentration in nail, hair, and urine. Arsenic is rapidly cleared off in the blood and thus could only reflect exposure for only a short period following absorption. Arsenic occurs in higher concentrations in human nails and hair than in other parts of the body [35]. This is due to the high keratin content in in human nails and hair. Arsenic concentration in hair increased in during arsenic intoxication. Arsenic concentrations ranging from 3 to 10 mg/kg are common in populations of West Bengal that have high arsenic concentrations in drinking water. The inorganic arsenic has about 4 days half-life in humans, and urine is the major route of its excretion. Therefore, the urine concentration of arsenic has been used as an indicator of recent arsenic intoxication. The concentrations of arsenic in urine have also been correlated with arsenic intake in drinking-water. A total daily intake of 46 μg/L and 324 μg/L arsenic from drinking water produced 41 μg/L and 178 μg/L concentrations of arsenic in urine respectively [34]. However, some sea and marine food contains nontoxic organo arsenic and arsenosugars. These compounds are not toxic to mammalian cells and thus may influence urinary levels of arsenic. In order to eliminate the contribution of complex organo arsenicals in urine and enhance the diagnosis accuracy, some clinical laboratories use method that specifically quantifies inorganic arsenic or its metabolites, dimethylarsonic acid and monomethy larsnoic acid. However, certain marine organisms, such as bivalves contain over 100μg of the metabolite (dimethylarsonic acid) and may thus elevate the urine arsenic levels when the above speciation methods of analysis are used. Thus, the urine arsenic measurement may not be an accurate indicator of as intoxication if there has been any consumption of seafood within the past 3 days. Treatment of arsenic poisoning depend on the manifested symptoms, first of all is the removal of the patient from the source of exposure. Application of chelating agent like succimer (2,3- dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) and dimercaprol is paramount in patient with severe burden [34]. Patient with kidney failure should be considered with hemodialysis [35].

Arsenic Interaction with Other Metal

The interactions between arsenic and other heavy metals or with other toxicant may produce synergistic (stronger) or antagonistic (weaker) effect than when use singly [15]. It is suggested that exposure to one heavy metal is usually associated with exposure to the others, thus synergetic or antagonistic toxicity of these heavy metals is expected. A synergistic effect is established when two heavy metals interact and produce higher effect than individual metal alone while an antagonistic effect is established when two heavy metals interact and produce lower effect than individual metal alone [15].

Conclusion

The paper depicts arsenic’s routes of exposure, their health impacts, diagnosis, and treatment. We are being exposed to myriads of such heavy metal though diet, inhalation from air and metal related occupational exposures. Arsenic may exist in the environment in different mixture. Some heavy metals interact synergistically that they impose health problems many times greater than their singly effect. The overwhelmed burden of chronic diseases due to arsenic intoxication is alarming, therefore a proper precaution measure in prevention of toxic exposures is needed.

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Abstract

Environmental exposure to arsenic, is a major concern in many industrialized countries. Although metals occur naturally in the environment but human activities cause more metals releases and have altered the natural cycling of the elements. These exposures occurs mostly from diet (water and food consumption), inhalation from air and metals related occupational exposure like leaded gasoline, industrial processes such as smelting of lead and its combustion, pottery, boat building, mining industry, exhaust fumes of vehicles, metal based painting, metal containing pipes, battery recycling, grids, arm industry, pigments, printing of books, etc Exposure to arsenic may affect nutrient metabolism and can cause a variety of health effects in human. Cancer, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicicty, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, brain damage, lungs damage, gastrointestinal distress and haematological alterations are the most frequently documented health implication associated with arsenic intoxication. Consequently, this this paper provide a deep understanding of arsenic, their sources, routes of exposure, the mechanisms of occasioning their toxicity, health implications in human and to identify substances that contribute to overcome their hazardous effects in human.

Keywords: Arsenic; Toxicity; Health Effect; Diagnosis; Treatment