Transuranic actinide metal ions

Transuranic actinide metal ions are radioactive elements with atomic numbers greater than 92, such as plutonium (Pu), americium (Am), and curium (Cm) (CDC, 2018). These elements are primarily produced in nuclear reactors and are of significant concern due to their high radiotoxicity and long biological half-lives (Taylor, 1998). Upon internalization via inhalation or wound contamination, these ions distribute primarily to the liver and the surface of bone, where they are retained for decades (Durbin, 1975). The alpha radiation emitted by these isotopes causes significant DNA damage, leading to an increased risk of osteosarcoma and liver cancer (UNSCEAR, 2000). Therapeutic intervention relies on decorporation therapy using chelating agents like Pentetate calcium trisodium (Ca-DTPA) and Pentetate zinc trisodium (Zn-DTPA), which are FDA-approved for this purpose (FDA, 2004). These chelators compete with endogenous ligands to bind the metal ions, forming stable complexes that are excreted through the kidneys (Gorden et al., 2003). Research into next-generation chelators, such as hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) ligands, aims to improve the efficiency of actinide removal from intracellular compartments (Abergel et al., 2011).

Other names

Transuranic elementsTransuranium elementsActinide radionuclidesTransuranics

Chelation therapy; the drugs act as ligands that sequester the metal ions into stable, water-soluble complexes to facilitate renal excretion.