Molecular mechanisms of metal toxicity and carcinogenesis

Many metals and metal-containing compounds have been identified to be poten t mutagens and carcinogens. Recently, a new sub-discipline of molecular tox icology and carcinogenesis has been developed. The combination of newly dev eloped molecular techniques and free radical approach makes it possible to insightfully examine metal-induced carcinogenesis in precise molecular term s so that intricate biological interrelationships can be elucidated. In con sideration of the increased amount of new findings deciphered by utilizing these new methods, the 1st Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Metal Toxi city and Carcinogenesis was held. In this conference, more than 50 scientis ts from nine countries presented their novel discoveries concerning metal-i nduced carcinogenesis, delineated molecular mechanism of metal carcinogenes is, and proposed novel therapeutic intervention and prevention strategies. This article reviewes some of the state-of-the-art information presented at the meeting regarding the molecular mechanisms of metal cytotoxicity and c arcinogenesis.