Cell apoptosis induced by carcinogenic metals

Well-documented evidence suggests that environmental and occupational expos ure of toxic metals or metal-containing compounds can cause a number of hum an diseases, including inflammation and cancer, through DNA damage, protein modifications, or lipid peroxidation. This mini-review addresses the mecha nisms of cell death induced by some carcinogenic metals, including arsenic (III), chromium (VI) and vanadium (V). A possible contribution of reactive oxygen species to metal-induced cell death is also discussed.