Insights into the Genotoxic Effects of Heavy Metals in Human Diseases
ABSTRACT
Genotoxic agents—particularly heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury—pose significant threats to human health by inducing DNA damage and promoting genomic instability. These agents affect both somatic and germ cells, contributing to a wide range of health outcomes, including various cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, infertility, and heritable genetic diseases. Genotoxicity interferes with essential cellular processes such as DNA repair and cell cycle regulation, leading to cascading biological effects that compromise cellular function and overall organismal health. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of genotoxic stress is critical for identifying molecular targets, developing reliable diagnostic biomarkers, and designing effective strategies for disease prevention and treatment. This underscores the urgent need for rigorous monitoring and mitigation of genotoxic exposures, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions where environmental contamination is on the rise. This review highlights the critical effects of genotoxicity in cellular response mechanisms and its contribution to the progression of human diseases.
KEYWORDS: Environmental Contamination, Pollution, Industrialization, Heavy Metal, DNA Damage, Disease, Cancer
