The role of arsenic in obesity and diabetes

Abstract

As many individuals worlwide are exposed to arsenic, it is necessary to unravel the role of arsenic in the risk of obesity and diabetes. Therefore, the present study reviewed the effects of arsenic exposure on the risk and potential etiologic mechanisms of obesity and diabetes. It has been suggested that inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis contribute to the pathogenesis of arsenic‐induced diabetes and obesity. Though arsenic is known to cause diabetes through different mechanisms, the role of adipose tissue in diabetes is still unclear. This review exhibited the effects of arsenic on the metabolism and signaling pathways within adipose tissue (such as sirtuin 3 [SIRT3]‐ forkhead box O3 [FOXO3a], mitogen‐activated protein kinase [MAPK], phosphoinositide‐dependant kinase‐1 [PDK‐1], unfolded protein response, and C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP10]). Different types of adipokines involved in arsenic‐induced diabetes are yet to be elucidated. Arsenic exerts negative effects on the white adipose tissue by decreasing adipogenesis and enhancing lipolysis. Some epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic can promote obesity. Nevertheless, few studies have indicated that arsenic may induce lipodystrophy. Arsenic multifactorial effects include accelerating birth and postnatal weight gains, elevated body fat content, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and increased serum lipid profile. Arsenic also elevated cord blood and placental, as well as postnatal serum leptin levels. The data from human studies indicate an association between inorganic arsenic exposure and the risk of diabetes and obesity. However, the currently available evidence is insufficient to conclude that low‐moderate dose arsenic is associated with diabetes or obesity development. Therefore, more investigations are needed to determine biological mechanisms linking arsenic exposure to obesity and diabetes.

Toxic metal exposure as a possible risk factor for COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases

“…These diseases may also provide an additional link between COVID-19 severity and heavy metal toxicity. Earlier data demonstrate that obesity and diabetes may be associated with Hg ( Tinkov et al, 2015 ; Roy et al, 2017 ), Сd ( Satarug et al, 2010 ; Tinkov et al, 2017 ), Pb ( Park et al, 2017 ; Leff et al, 2017 ), and As ( Farkhondeh et al, 2019 ). Although these associations are rather contradictory and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, it is proposed that the role of metals and endocrine disruptors may significantly contribute to metabolic disorders.…”

Therapeutic and biological activities of berberine: The involvement of Nrf2 signaling pathway

“…The increased concentration of oxidative molecules, known as oxidative stress may lead to the enhanced incidence rate of damages in lipids, proteins, and genetic material. 59,60 Brb has shown great potential in attenuation of oxidative stress. Jiang et al used human melanocyte cell line which was induced oxidative stress using PIG1 and H 2 O 2 .…”

Mediators of Impaired Adipogenesis in Obesity-Associated Insulin Resistance and T2DM

“…Arsenic inhibits adipogenesis and enhances lipolysis, leading to obesity. Other reports have suggested that arsenic may induce lipodystrophy [193]. Another evidence suggests that uremic toxin-treated 3T3-L1 cells and MSC-derived adipocytes exhibit impaired adipogenesis and apoptosis through activation of the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification cycle [194].…”

“…In addition to PBDEs, evidence linking accumulation of other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and risk of IR and T2DM was previously described [54,192]. Additionally, the association between inorganic arsenic exposure and the risk of T2DM and obesity was previously reported [193]. Arsenic-induced T2DM is suggested to be mediated by inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of obesity.…”