Arsenic and cardiovascular disease

Toxicol Sci. 2009 Feb;107(2):312-23. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn236. Epub 2008 Nov 17.

Abstract

Chronic arsenic exposure is a worldwide health problem. Although arsenic-induced cancer has been widely studied, comparatively little attention has been paid to arsenic-induced vascular disease. Epidemiological studies have shown that chronic arsenic exposure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. In addition, studies suggest that susceptibility to arsenic-induced vascular disease may be modified by nutritional factors in addition to genetic factors. Recently, animal models for arsenic-induced atherosclerosis and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction have been developed. Initial studies in these models show that arsenic exposure accelerates and exacerbates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice. Microarray studies of liver mRNA and micro-RNA abundance in mice exposed in utero suggest that a permanent state of stress is induced by the arsenic exposure. Furthermore, the livers of the arsenic-exposed mice have activated pathways involved in immune responses suggesting a pro-hyperinflammatory state. Arsenic exposure of mice after weaning shows a clear dose-response in the extent of disease exacerbation. In addition, increased inflammation in arterial wall is evident. In response to arsenic-stimulated oxidative signaling, liver sinusoidal endothelium differentiates into a continuous endothelium that limits nutrient exchange and waste elimination. Data suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-derived superoxide or its derivatives are essential second messengers in the signaling pathway for arsenic-stimulated vessel remodeling. The recent findings provide future directions for research into the cardiovascular effects of arsenic exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Arsenic / toxicity*
  • Arsenic / urine
  • Arsenic Poisoning / epidemiology
  • Arsenic Poisoning / genetics
  • Arsenic Poisoning / pathology*
  • Arsenic Poisoning / urine
  • Atherosclerosis / chemically induced
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / urine
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / drug effects
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / pathology
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced
  • Vasculitis / genetics
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Arsenic