Arsenic species (As)

Arsenic species refer to the various chemical forms of the metalloid arsenic, including inorganic (arsenite, arsenate) and organic compounds (Source: WHO, 2022). While not a traditional biological target like a receptor or enzyme, arsenic species are clinically significant as the focus of chelation therapy in cases of poisoning and as the active component in arsenic trioxide for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) (Source: StatPearls, 2023). In APL, arsenic binds directly to the cysteine-rich B2 domain of the PML (promyelocytic leukemia) protein, leading to the degradation of the PML-RARA fusion protein and subsequent cell differentiation and apoptosis (Source: Zhang et al., Science, 2010). Toxicologically, arsenic species exert their effects by binding to sulfhydryl groups on various enzymes, inducing oxidative stress, and interfering with DNA repair mechanisms (Source: NIH/NIEHS, 2023). Chronic exposure is a major global health concern, strongly associated with skin, lung, and bladder cancers, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (Source: IARC, 2012).

Other names

ArsenicInorganic arsenicOrganic arsenicArseniteArsenateArsenic compounds

Chelation of arsenic ions to form stable, water-soluble complexes that facilitate renal excretion (Source: StatPearls, 2023).