ABSTRACT
Arsenic (As) is widely distributed in the environment. On the other hand, it is well known that As and its compounds are carcinogens. However, the specic mechanism of induction of carcinogenesis by As is still unknown due to its complexity and the scarcity of model experimental animals. Probably, oxidative stress caused by inorganic As (IAs) as well as some organoarsenic compounds (e.g., dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)] and dimethylarsinous acid [DMA(III)]) is one of the triggers that can induce cancers [1-3]. Indeed, DNA damage by oxidative stress was observed in humans exposed to IA through the consumption of contaminated groundwater [4-6]. Arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) are highly toxic compounds, but the
11.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 235 11.2 Tea ............................................................................................................... 237 11.3 Curcumin/Turmeric .................................................................................... 329 11.4 Garlic .......................................................................................................... 331 11.5 Mushroom Lectin ....................................................................................... 333 11.6 Horseradish Tree ......................................................................................... 333 11.7 Tossa Jute .................................................................................................... 334 11.8 Seabuckthorn .............................................................................................. 334 11.9 Aloe Vera .................................................................................................... 334 11.10 Argentinian Medical Plants ........................................................................ 335 11.11 Flaxseed Oil ................................................................................................ 335 11.12 Indian Gooseberry ...................................................................................... 335 11.13 Indian Pennywort ........................................................................................ 336 11.14 Jaggery ........................................................................................................ 336 11.15 Mango ......................................................................................................... 336 11.16 Marine Algae .............................................................................................. 336 11.17 Conclusions ................................................................................................. 337 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................. 337 Abbreviation List ................................................................................................... 337 References .............................................................................................................. 339
induction mechanisms of toxicity are different among species; As(III) readily binds to sulfhydryl group of various enzymes inhibiting the activities, whereas As(V) substitutes phosphate due to the similarity of their structures, leading to disruption of metabolic reactions related to phosphorylation [7]. Symptoms of acute intoxication in humans by IA include severe gastrointestinal disorders, hepatic and renal failure, and cardiovascular disturbances, whereas chronic exposure causes skin pigmentation, hyperkeratosis, and cancers in the lung, bladder, liver, kidney, and skin [8,9]. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [10], As has been ranked at the top of the substance priority list due to its severe toxicity on human health [11].
