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.

Volume 11 provides in an authoritative and timely manner in 16 stimulating chapters, written by 40 internationally recognized experts from 11 nations, and supported by more than 2600 references, 35 tables, and over 100 illustrations, many in color, a most up-to-date view on the role of cadmium for life, presently a vibrant research area. MILS-11 covers the bioinorganic chemistry of Cd(II), its biogeochemistry, anthropogenic release into the environment, and speciation in the atmosphere, waters, soils, and sediments. The analytical tools for Cd determination, its imaging in cells, and the use of 113Cd NMR to probe Zn(II) and Ca(II) proteins are summarized, as are Cd(II) interactions with nucleotides, nucleic acids, amino acids, and proteins including metallothioneins. The phytoremediation by Cd(II)-accumulating plants, etc., the toxicology of Cd(II), its damage to mammalian organs, and its role as a carcinogen for humans, are highlighted.

Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals, Volume II: Specific Metals, Fifth Edition provides complete coverage of 38 individual metals and their compounds. This volume is the second volume of a two-volume work which emphasizes toxic effects in humans, along with discussions on the toxic effects of animals and biological systems in vitro when relevant. The book has been systematically updated with the latest studies and advances in technology. As a multidisciplinary resource that integrates both human and environmental toxicology, the book is a comprehensive and valuable reference for toxicologists, physicians, pharmacologists, and environmental scientists in the fields of environmental, occupational and public health. - Contains peer-reviewed chapters that deal with the effects of metallic elements and their compounds on biological systems with a focus on human health effects - Includes information on sources, transport, and the transformation of metals in the environment - Provides critical information on the properties, use, biological monitoring, dose-response relationships, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of 38 metallic elements and their compounds

Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Metal Intoxication presents a practical guide to the use of chelation therapy, from its basic chemistry, to available chelating antidotes, and the application of chelating agents. Several metals have long been known to be toxic to humans, and continue to pose great difficulty to treat. These challenges pose particular problems in industrial settings, with lead smelting known to be associated with hemopoietic alterations and paralyses, and the inhalation of mercury vapor in mercury mining being extremely detrimental to the central nervous system. Clinical experience has demonstrated that acute and chronic human intoxications with a range of metals can be treated efficiently by administration of chelating agents. Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Metal Intoxication describes the chemical and biological principles of chelation in the treatment of these toxic metal compounds, including new chelators such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and D,L-2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS). - Presents all the current findings on the potential for chelation as a therapy for metal intoxication - Presents practical guidelines for selecting the most appropriate chelating agent - Includes coverage on radionuclide exposure and metal storage diseases - Describes the chemical and biological principles of chelation in the treatment of toxic metal compounds

Chapters on specific metals include physical and chemical properties, methods and problems of analysis, production and uses, environmental levels and exposures, metabolism, levels in tissues and biological fluids, effects and dose-response relationships, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity and preventative measures, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Metal ions play key roles in biology. Many are essential for catalysis, for electron transfer and for the fixation, sensing, and metabolism of gases. Others compete with those essential metal ions or have toxic or pharmacological effects. This book is structured around the periodic table and focuses on the control of metal ions in cells. It addresses the molecular aspects of binding, transport and storage that ensure balanced levels of the essential elements. Organisms have also developed mechanisms to deal with the non-essential metal ions. However, through new uses and manufacturing processes, organisms are increasingly exposed to changing levels of both essential and non-essential ions in new chemical forms. They may not have developed defenses against some of these forms (such as nanoparticles). Many diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration are associated with metal ion imbalance. There may be a deficiency of the essential metals, overload of either essential or non-essential metals or perturbation of the overall natural balance. This book is the first to comprehensively survey the molecular nature of the overall natural balance of metal ions in nutrition, toxicology and pharmacology. It is written as an introduction to research for students and researchers in academia and industry and begins with a chapter by Professor R J P Williams FRS.