ABSTRACT Heavy metals (HMs), such as chromium, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, constitute a class of environmental pollutants with significant toxicity that pose a serious threat to human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemical properties of HMs, and their effects at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels. HMs exert their toxic effects by interfering with various intracellular biochemical processes, including enzyme activity, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, they can disrupt the integrity of cell membranes and affect cellular signaling, leading to cellular dysfunction and death. At the molecular and genetic levels, HMs can cause DNA damage and induce gene mutations, thereby affecting genetic transmission and expression. Then, the effects of HMs on the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, reproduction, and cancer risk are discussed. Therapeutic strategies, such as chelation therapy, antioxidants and free radical scavengers, supportive therapy, and prevention and reduction of exposure, have been shown to mitigate the toxic effects of HMs. Last, based on the current findings on the mechanisms of HMs, future research directions are prospected. Through multidisciplinary cooperation and integrated interventions, it is expected that the health risks posed by HMs can be alleviated. Future research needs to further elucidate the mechanisms of HMs toxicity, develop more effective treatments, and strengthen preventive and control measures.
Zhang et al. (2025) studied this question.