Heavy metals and their derivatives can cause various diseases. Numerous studies have evaluated the possible link between exposure to
heavy metals and various
cancers. Recent data show a correlation between
heavy metals and aberration of genetic and epigenetic patterns. From a literature search we noticed few experimental and epidemiological studies that evaluate a possible correlation between
heavy metals and
brain tumors.
Gliomas arise due to genetic and epigenetic alterations of glial cells. Changes in gene expression result in the alteration of the cellular division process. Epigenetic alterations in
brain tumors include the hypermethylation of CpG group, hypomethylation of specific genes, aberrant activation of genes, and changes in the position of various
histones.
Heavy metals are capable of generating reactive
oxygen assumes that key functions in various pathological mechanisms. Alteration of homeostasis of metals could cause the overproduction of
reactive oxygen species and induce DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and alteration of
proteins. In this study we summarize the possible correlation between
heavy metals, epigenetic alterations and
brain tumors. We report, moreover, the review of relevant literature.