Arsenic and atherosclerosis.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between environmental or occupational arsenic exposure and a risk of vascular diseases related to atherosclerosis. Studies summarized in this review suggest that arsenic induces endothelial dysfunction, including inflammatory and coagulating activity as well as impairs nitric oxide (NO) balance. This may provide the pathophysiological basis for atherogenic potential of arsenic. Consistent with these data, arsenic accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice, a model of human atherosclerosis.
Tissue Injury Team, Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. psimeonova@cdc.gov
Petia P
PP
Simeonova
Michael I
MI
Luster
D000818:Animals; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012307:Risk Factors