Cerium (Ce)

Cerium is a chemical element belonging to the lanthanide series and is not a traditional biological target such as a receptor or enzyme. In clinical medicine, cerium is primarily utilized in the form of cerium nitrate, which is applied topically to treat severe burns to prevent sepsis and reduce the systemic inflammatory response by neutralizing burn-associated toxins. Additionally, cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are being extensively researched for their potent antioxidant properties, as they can mimic the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase to scavenge reactive oxygen species. While cerium ions can interact with various biological molecules by mimicking calcium due to similar ionic radii, these interactions are generally considered toxicological rather than therapeutic. Consequently, cerium is classified as a chemical element or a component of a drug product rather than a biological target.

Other names

Cerium ionCeCerium(III)Cerium(IV)Lanthanide element 58

Cerium compounds like cerium nitrate act by denaturing proteins in burn eschar to prevent the release of 'burn toxins' into the systemic circulation. Cerium oxide nanoparticles function as regenerative antioxidants by scavenging reactive oxygen species through the cycling between Ce3+ and Ce4+ oxidation states. Chelating agents like DTPA interact with cerium by binding the metal ions to facilitate their renal excretion.