title: Is lithium biologically an important or toxic element to living organisms? An overview.
abstract: Industrialized world is exposing living organisms to different chemicals and metals such as lithium (Li). Due to their use in common household items to industrial applications, it is imperative to examine their bioavailability. Lithium belongs to the group IA and also has wider uses such as in batteries, air conditioners to atomic reactors. Lithium occurs naturally in soil and water, mostly at low concentrations, and enters the food chain. It is not one of the essential minerals though various studies indicate that low levels of Li have beneficial effects on living organisms, whereas high levels expose them to toxicity and related detrimental effects. This review suggests that Li could be biologically important to living organism depending upon its concentration/exposure. Little is known about its biological importance and molecular understanding of its accumulation and mode of action, which might have future implications for Li's long-term effects on living organisms.
authors: Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
authors: Babar
authors: B
authors: Shahzad
authors: State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. mudassarniaz619@webmail.hzau.edu.com.
authors: Mudassar Niaz
authors: MN
authors: Mughal
authors: School of Land and Food, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
authors: Mohsin
authors: M
authors: Tanveer
authors: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: Dorin
authors: D
authors: Gupta
authors: The Equine Centre, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.
authors: Ghazanfar
authors: G
authors: Abbas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D008094:Lithium
keywords: Biology; Food chain; Lithium; Living organism; Metal