ARSENIC, As
- element of
group V of the periodic system, conditionally
essential trace element. Arsenic compounds enter the
drinking
and mineral water, grape wines, juices,
seafood, medicines, pesticides and herbicides.
Smokers also receive higher doses of arsenic. Arsenic is deposited by
mostly in the
reticulo-endothelial system, is excreted
mainly with urine. In the body, arsenic interacts with thiol groups of proteins,
cysteine, glutathione, lipoic acid. This element has an effect on
oxidative processes in mitochondria and
other important biochemical
processes. Intoxication with arsenic compounds occurs when using
poisoned food and water, inhalation of
dust in a working environment, after
long-term treatment with arsenic drugs. The severity of clinical
manifestations depends on the degree of damage to target organs (bone marrow,
gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, kidneys). Widely known
arsenodermatosis, arsenorkeratitis, black foot
disease and other arsenoses,
directly caused by the action of arsenic on the body. Exist
sufficient evidence of the carcinogenicity of inorganic compounds
arsenic.
