Methylated metal(loid) species in humans

While the metal(loid)s arsenic, bismuth, and selenium (probably also tellurium) have been shown to be enzymatically methylated in the human body, this has not yet been demonstrated for antimony, cadmium, germanium, indium, lead, mercury, thallium, and tin, although the latter elements can be biometh...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inMetal ions in life sciences Vol. 7; p. 465
Main Authors Hirner, Alfred V, Rettenmeier, Albert W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 01.01.2010
Subjects
Antimony - blood
Antimony - metabolism
Antimony - pharmacokinetics
Arsenic - blood
Arsenic - metabolism
Arsenic - pharmacokinetics
Biological Transport
Blood-Brain Barrier - metabolism
Environmental Exposure - adverse effects
Environmental Exposure - analysis
Environmental Pollutants - blood
Environmental Pollutants - metabolism
Environmental Pollutants - pharmacokinetics
Humans
Metalloids - blood
Metalloids - metabolism
Metalloids - pharmacokinetics
Methylation
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:While the metal(loid)s arsenic, bismuth, and selenium (probably also tellurium) have been shown to be enzymatically methylated in the human body, this has not yet been demonstrated for antimony, cadmium, germanium, indium, lead, mercury, thallium, and tin, although the latter elements can be biomethylated in the environment. Methylated metal(loid)s exhibit increased mobility, thus leading to a more efficient metal(loid) transport within the body and, in particular, opening chances for passing membrane barriers (blood-brain barrier, placental barrier). As a consequence human health may be affected. In this review, relevant data from the literature are compiled, and are discussed with respect to the evaluation of assumed and proven health effects caused by alkylated metal(loid) species.
ISSN:1559-0836
DOI:10.1039/9781849730822-00465