This book aims to present current state of understanding of the role of metals in human health and disease. As it will be difficult to cover all of the metals, about two scores of them, the authors will instead provide a detailed analysis of a select set of essential (Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, Iron, copper and Zinc) and non-essential metals (Nickel, Chromium, Cadmium and Arsenic, Tungsten and Asbestos). Each chapter will have a dedicated section focusing on the binary role that some of these metals play, their carcinogenic and cancer therapeutics, by integrating epidemiological, experimental evidence with special emphasis and focus on molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. The biological analysis will also include emerging lines of evidence such as micro RNAS, kinase families, receptors, endoplasmic, mitochondrial players and epigenetics. As part of integrating the human, experimental and mechanistic data, as well as a detailed analysis into the modes of action for different cancer outcomes will be discussed in each chapter wherever deemed feasible. These approaches are ones in which no other book in this area has attempted to do.

Homeostasis and Toxicology of Essential Metals synthesizes the explosion of new information on the molecular, cellular, and organismal handling of metals in fish in the past 15 years. These elements are no longer viewed by fish physiologists as "heavy metals" that kill fish by suffocation, but rather as interesting moieties that enter and leave fish by specific pathways, which are subject to physiological regulation. The metals featured in this volume are those about which there has been most public and scientific concern, and therefore are those most widely studied by fish researchers. Metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Co, Se, Mo and Cr are either proven to be or are strongly suspected to be essential in trace amounts, yet are toxic in higher doses. The companion volume, Homeostasis and Toxicology of Non-Essential Metals, Volume 31B, covers metals that have no known nutritive function in fish at present, but which are toxic at fairly low levels, such as Ag, Al, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Sr, and U. In addition, three chapters in Volumes 31A and 31B on Basic Principles (Chapter 1, 31A), Field Studies and Ecological Integration (Chapter 9, 31A) and Modeling the Physiology and Toxicology of Metals (Chapter 9, 31B) act as integrative summaries and make these two volumes a vital set for readers. All major essential metals of interest are covered in metal-specific chapters Each metal-specific chapter is written by fish physiologists/toxicologists who are recognized authorities for that metal A common format is featured throughout this two volume edition

No matter how careful we are at using metals in industrial processes, some level of human exposure is unavoidable. Countless metals are obtained through mining and smelting activities that amplify their distribution throughout the environment. Applications of metals in industry, medicine, and agriculture have increased our exposure. These metals are not merely an occupational hazard for those working with them-they affect consumers and anyone exposed through environmental contamination. Even worse, they cannot be destroyed and are thus non-biodegradable. The blades we use, the pots and pans we cook with, children's face paint, and facial makeup contain toxic metals. Toxic heavy metals are also found in cigarettes, gourmet foods such as seasonings, fish, and chocolates. When you sprinkle a dish with Himalayan sea salt, you may end up ingesting toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead.

Metal chelators are emerging as versatile tool with many medical applications. Their versatility allows them to be used in chelation therapy for treating diseases caused by toxic and heavy metal poisoning, chelating agents are capable of binding to toxic metal ions to form complex structures which are easily excreted from the body removing them from intracellular or extracellular spaces. In addition, metal chelators can also be applied as contrast agents in MRI scanning. Metal Chelation in Medicine provides a clear and timely perspective on the role of chelating agents in the management of metal intoxications and storage diseases. Written by leaders in the field of chelators, this publication is at the cutting-edge of the subject. It covers a broad range of topics such as the use of metal chelators in non-invasive assessment of brain iron overload, and the treatment of systemic iron overload and neurodegenerative diseases. As such it is particularly valuable to clinicians treating metal poisonings and metal storage diseases. However, it is also a useful text for researchers, industry professionals and university students with a specific interest in medicinal chemistry, chelation, metal ions, imaging and non-invasive techniques.

Volume 19, entitled Essential Metals in Medicine: Therapeutic Use and Toxicity of Metal Ions in the Clinic of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences centers on the role of metal ions in clinical medicine. Metal ions are tightly regulated in human health: while essential to life, they can be toxic as well. Following an introductory chapter briefly discussing several important metal-related drugs and diseases and a chapter about drug development, the focus is fi rst on iron: its essentiality for pathogens and humans as well as its toxicity. Chelation therapy is addressed in the context of thalassemia, its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases and also the risks connected with iron administration are pointed out. A subject of intense debate is the essentiality of chromium and vanadium. For example, chromium(III) compounds are taken as a nutritional supplement by athletes and bodybuilders; in contrast, chromate, Cr(VI), is toxic and a carcinogen for humans. The benefi cial and toxic effects of manganese, cobalt, and copper on humans are discussed. The need for antiparasitic agents is emphasized as well as the clinical aspects of metal-containing antidotes for cyanide poisoning. In addition to the essential and possibly essential ones, also other metal ions play important roles in human health, causing harm (like the metalloid arsenic, lead or cadmium) or being used in diagnosis or treatment of human diseases, like gadolinium, gallium, lithium, gold, silver or platinum. The impact of this vibrant research area on metals in the clinic is provided in 14 stimulating chapters, written by internationally recognized experts from the Americas, Europe and China, and is manifested by approximately 2000 references, and about 90 illustrations and tables. Essential Metals in Medicine: Therapeutic Use and Toxicity of Metal Ions in the Clinic is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from pharmacology, enzymology, material sciences, analytical, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine ... not forgetting that it also provides excellent information for teaching.

Diet and Health examines the many complex issues concerning diet and its role in increasing or decreasing the risk of chronic disease. It proposes dietary recommendations for reducing the risk of the major diseases and causes of death today: atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (including heart attack and stroke), cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and dental caries.