Divalent and trivalent heavy metal ions

Divalent and trivalent heavy metal ions represent a class of inorganic toxicological targets that interfere with essential biological processes (StatPearls, 2023). These ions, including lead (Pb2+), mercury (Hg2+), arsenic (As3+), and cadmium (Cd2+), exert toxicity by binding to functional groups on proteins—most notably sulfhydryl (-SH) groups—thereby inhibiting enzymatic activity and disrupting cellular signaling (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019). They also induce oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species and can mimic essential minerals like calcium or zinc, leading to systemic organ damage, particularly in the nervous, renal, and hematopoietic systems (NIH, 2022). Therapeutic intervention involves the use of chelating agents, which are polydentate ligands that form stable, non-toxic, water-soluble complexes with the metal ions (PubChem, 2024). These complexes are then excreted via the kidneys or bile, effectively reducing the body's total metal burden. While effective, chelation therapy must be managed carefully to avoid the depletion of essential trace elements and to prevent the redistribution of metals to the central nervous system (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Other names

Heavy metalsToxic metal cationsMultivalent metal ionsMetalloidsToxic trace elements

Chelation: The drugs act as polydentate ligands that form stable, non-toxic, water-soluble coordination complexes with the metal ions, facilitating their mobilization from tissues and subsequent renal or biliary excretion (StatPearls, 2023).