Arsenic poisoning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Arsenic poisoning interferes with cellular longevity by allosteric inhibition of an essential metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex which catalyzes the reaction Pyruvate + CoA-SH + NAD+ PDH Acetyl-Co-A + NADH + CO2. With the enzyme inhibited, the energy system of the cell is disrupted resulting in a cellular apoptosis episode. Biochemically, arsenic prevents use of thiamine resulting in a clinical picture resembling thiamine deficiency. Poisoning with arsenic, can raise lactate levels and lead to lactic acidosis. Arsenic in cells clearly stimulates the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). When the H2O2 reacts with Fenton metals such as iron, it produces a highly reactive hydroxyl radical. Inorganic Arsenic trioxide found in ground water particularly affects Voltage-gated potassium channels , [1] disrupting cellular electrolytic function resulting in neurological disturbances, cardiovascular episodes such as prolonged qt interval, high blood pressure [2] central nervous system dysfunction and death. Arsenic trioxide is a ubiquitous element present in American drinking water. [3]