title: Arsenic-induced genotoxicity and genetic susceptibility to arsenic-related pathologies.
abstract: The arsenic (As) exposure represents an important problem in many parts of the World. Indeed, it is estimated that over 100 million individuals are exposed to arsenic, mainly through a contamination of groundwaters. Chronic exposure to As is associated with adverse effects on human health such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and the rate of morbidity and mortality in populations exposed is alarming. The purpose of this review is to summarize the genotoxic effects of As in the cells as well as to discuss the importance of signaling and repair of arsenic-induced DNA damage. The current knowledge of specific polymorphisms in candidate genes that confer susceptibility to arsenic exposure is also reviewed. We also discuss the perspectives offered by the determination of biological markers of early effect on health, incorporating genetic polymorphisms, with biomarkers for exposure to better evaluate exposure-response clinical relationships as well as to develop novel preventative strategies for arsenic-health effects.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy. francesca.faita@ifc.cnr.it
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Faita
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cori
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Andreassi
mesh_terms: D001151:Arsenic / Q000633:toxicity*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D001151:Arsenic