Arsenic is a well-recognized environmental contaminant that occurs naturally through geogenic processes in the aquifer. More than 200 million people around the world are potentially exposed to the elevated level of
arsenic mostly from Asia and Latin America. Many adverse health effects including
skin diseases (i.e., arsenicosis, hyperkeratosis, pigmentation changes),
carcinogenesis, and neurological diseases have been reported due to
arsenic exposure. In addition,
arsenic has recently been shown to contribute to the onset of
non-communicable diseases, such as
diabetes mellitus and
cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms involved in
arsenic-induced diabetes are pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and death, impaired insulin secretion,
insulin resistance and reduced cellular
glucose transport. Whereas, the most proposed mechanisms of
arsenic-induced
hypertension are oxidative stress, disruption of
nitric oxide signaling, altered vascular response to
neurotransmitters and impaired vascular muscle
calcium (Ca2+) signaling, damage of renal, and interference with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the contributions of
arsenic exposure to
non-communicable diseases are complex and multifaceted, and little information is available about the molecular mechanisms involved in
arsenic-induced
non-communicable diseases and also no suitable therapeutic target identified yet. Therefore, in the future, more basic research is necessary to identify the appropriate therapeutic target for the treatment and management of
arsenic-induced
non-communicable diseases. Several reports demonstrated that a daily balanced diet with proper nutrient supplements (
vitamins,
micronutrients, natural
antioxidants) has shown effective to reduce the damages caused by
arsenic exposure.
Arsenic detoxication through natural compounds or nutraceuticals is considered a cost-effective treatment/management and researchers should focus on these alternative options. This review paper explores the scenarios of
arsenic contamination in groundwater with an emphasis on public health concerns. It also demonstrated
arsenic sources, biogeochemistry, toxicity mechanisms with therapeutic targets,
arsenic exposure-related human diseases, and onsets of
cardiovascular diseases as well as feasible management options for
arsenic toxicity.