Carcinogenic Heavy Metals in Industrial Activities: Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity and the Potential Role of Phytochelatin and Antioxidative Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention Heavy Metals and Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention
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Abstract
Background: Heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, are widely used in industrial activities and are known for their carcinogenic potential due to their ability to induce oxidative stress and disrupt DNA repair mechanisms.
Objective: This review aims to explore the carcinogenic mechanisms of heavy metals and evaluate the role of phytochelatins and antioxidative phytochemicals in mitigating heavy metal-induced cancer risk.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies published up to January 2024. Articles focusing on the molecular mechanisms of heavy metal-induced carcinogenicity, phytochelatins, and antioxidant roles were included. The quality of selected studies was appraised using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Findings were synthesized thematically, covering oxidative stress, DNA damage, and gene expression modulation.
Results: The review found that arsenic increased bladder cancer risk by 50% (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-1.9), cadmium exposure elevated kidney cancer risk by 60% (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3-2.1), and phytochelatin supplementation reduced oxidative markers by 45%.
Conclusion: Phytochelatins and antioxidative phytochemicals could serve as potential preventive agents against heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis, warranting further research.
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