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2026, Number 1

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Rev Fac Med UNAM 2026; 69 (1)

Toxicity Mechanisms of Metals Classified as Atmospheric Pollutants in Mexico

Bizarro-Nevares MP, Rojas-Lemus M, González-Villalva A, López-Valdez N, Casarrubias-Tabarez B, Cervantes-Valencia ME, Ustarroz-Cano M, Rodríguez-Zepeda A, Morales-Ricardes G, Villafaña-Guillén N, Fortoul GTI

Language: Spanish
References: 64
Page: 9-21
PDF size: 376.76 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Uncontrolled industrialization in cities has led to a global environmental pollution problem. Industrial emissions of toxic compounds in gases and vapors, together with the burning of fossil fuels, are the main sources of pollution. Many metallic elements and their compounds contaminate the air, soil and bodies of water. Some of these elements, such as copper, iron and manganese, act as cofactors for enzymes that perform vital functions. However, exposure to concentrations higher than recommended can be toxic. It has been proven that other metals do not perform metabolic functions in cells, rather, they are toxic, as is the case with lead, chromium and cadmium, to name a few. The toxic effects of metals lead to health deterioration and can even generate different types of cancer. Various organs are reported to be targets of metal toxicity; for example, publications describe respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, digestive, and immunological, as well as reproductive issues. Once metals enter the body, they are distributed through the bloodstream via ion channels or essential metal transporters. Cellular damage caused by metals includes generating oxidative stress, mimicking essential metals, causing genotoxic damage, modifying the cell cycle, inhibiting or inducting of gene expression, and modulating signaling pathways. This work outlines the primary toxic mechanisms of action of chromium, nickel, copper, lead, cobalt, manganese, cadmium and vanadium, which are among the metals reported as atmospheric pollutants at Mexico.


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