Integrated approach to immunotoxicity: electron transfer, reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, cell signaling, and receptors.
As with all body organs, the immune system is subjected to attack by a variety of toxins. Serious consequences can result because the immune organs serve as a defense against infective agents. The toxins, both organic and inorganic, fall into a large variety of classes, such as metals, therapeutic drugs, industrial chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, fuels, herbicides and abused drugs. Although the mode of action is multifaceted, our focus is on electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants (AOs), cell signaling, and receptors. It is significant that the toxins or their metabolites incorporate ET functionalities capable of redox cycling with resultant generation of ROS and accompanying oxidative stress.
Kovacic
Peter
P
Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA. pkovacic@sundown.sdsu.edu
Somanathan
Ratnasamy
R
D000818:Animals; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000633:toxicity; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000633:toxicity; D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D004147:Dioxins / Q000633:toxicity; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004579:Electron Transport; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity; D005742:Gasoline / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000633:toxicity; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D008670:Metals / Q000633:toxicity; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000633:toxicity; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000963:Antimetabolites; D000975:Antioxidants; D002273:Carcinogens; D004147:Dioxins; D005742:Gasoline; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008670:Metals; D010575:Pesticides; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D001194:Asbestos; D000431:Ethanol