The Role of Metal Ions in Biological Systems and Medicine

Abstract

Metals play crucial roles in life processes. It is increasingly recognized that metals are involved in cellular and subcellular functions. With the application of new and sophisticated machines to study biological and biochemical systems the true role of inorganic salts in living systems can be revealed. Inorganic chemistry is not the “Dead Chemistry” that some people may think. Today, it is known that metals are important ingredients in life, just as the organic molecules. For instance, the divalent magnesium and calcium ions play important regulatory roles in cells. Metallothionins are proteins rich in metal ions found in living systems. The divalent cations Zn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ prevent cytotoxicity and in vivo antagonize Cd-induced carcinogenesis. Lack of body iron is common in cancer patients and it is associated with complications in surgery and in animal experiments. The transport of iron and other metal ions by the blood plasma is achieved through the formation of protein complexes. Copper is recognized as an essential metalloelement and is primarily associated with copper-dependent cellular enzymes. Metals are also used as inorganic drugs for many diseases.