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Published in:

01-12-2009

Arsenic Exposure and Cardiovascular Disorders: An Overview

Authors: Pitchai Balakumar, Jagdeep Kaur

Published in: Cardiovascular Toxicology | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

The incidence of arsenic toxicity has been observed in various countries including Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Hungary, Peru, Thailand, Mexico and United States of America. Arsenic is a ubiquitous element present in drinking water, and its exposure is associated with various cardiovascular disorders. Arsenic exposure plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial dysfunction as it inactivates endothelial nitric oxide synthase, leading to reduction in the generation and bioavailability of nitric oxide. In addition, the chronic arsenic exposure induces high oxidative stress, which may affect the structure and function of cardiovascular system. Further, the arsenic exposure has been noted to induce atherosclerosis by increasing the platelet aggregation and reducing fibrinolysis. Moreover, arsenic exposure may cause arrhythmia by increasing the QT interval and accelerating the cellular calcium overload. The chronic exposure to arsenic upregulates the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule and vascular endothelial growth factor to induce cardiovascular pathogenesis. The present review critically discussed the detrimental role of arsenic in the cardiovascular system.

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Title: Arsenic Exposure and Cardiovascular Disorders: An Overview
Authors: Pitchai Balakumar
Jagdeep Kaur
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Cardiovascular Toxicology / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1530-7905
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0259
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-009-9050-6

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