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Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment
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Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 6472

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Scibior

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1J, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
Interests: elements; metal interactions; mechanisms of metal toxicity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juan Llopis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Biosanitary Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: nutrition; micronutrients; metals; nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Manuel Aureliano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: metals in molecular sciences; decavanadate biochemistry; polyoxometalate (POM) interactions with proteins; metals and biomedical applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chemical elements (micro- and macro-elements)/metal ions play a crucial role in human health, as they are essential for the proper functioning of the organism. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in their various sources is essential to sustaining good health and preventing many diseases. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to supplement their deficiencies with supplements.

Chemical elements play a crucial role in medicine, both in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. For example, calcium (Ca) is used in the treatment of osteoporosis, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are part of the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and electrolyte imbalance disorders, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are employed in the treatment of anemia. In turn, zinc (Zn) is used in the treatment of colds and other infections and magnesium (Mg) is part of the treatment of migraines and other conditions. Moreover, lithium (Li) as an antidepressant, vanadium (V) as an antidiabetic, constitutes examples of the importance of metals in biology and medicine. Currently, selenium (Se) is being studied for its potential benefits in cancer diseases. Furthermore, radium (Ra) and other radioactive isotopes are used in cancer therapy (radiotherapy) and medical diagnostics, e.g., in positron emission tomography.

It should be mentioned that elements in the environment have a significant impact on human health. They can accumulate in the body and lead to long-term health effects. The increasing levels of metal concentration in recent years are one of the most burdensome aspects of environmental pollution. The permanent nature of metal contamination is dangerous as well as their incorporation into the food chain. The effects of their actions often become evident after many years and are not fully understood. Therefore, proper management of the presence of metals, monitoring of environmental quality, and limitation of emissions are crucial for public health protection and maintaining ecological balance.

We invite authors to submit original research papers or review articles on the role of toxic and essential metals/metal ions in human health and diseases. We also accept studies and review papers about the mechanisms of action and toxicity of elements. Moreover, we accept original papers or review articles on metals in the environment and their impact on human health with a focus on therapeutic insights to counteract the toxicity.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Unique biological effects of metals in diseases
  • Human exposure to metals
  • Innovative methods/promising strategies for assessing metals toxicity
  • Perspectives on the safety evaluation of metals
  • Metals, metals based complexes and polyoxometalates in modern-day medicine
  • Metals, metals based complexes and polyoxometalates in cancer effects
  • Metals, metal-based complexes and polyoxometalates in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
  • Heavy metals in the environment and health impact
  • Heavy metals in the ecosystem
  • Current challenges in human health, diseases, and environment and potential directions in further research.

Dr. Agnieszka Scibior
Prof. Dr. Juan Llopis
Prof. Dr. Manuel Aureliano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metal toxicity
  • metal-based drugs
  • polyoxometalates
  • protein metalation
  • human health problems
  • diseases
  • in vitro/in vivo studies
  • human studies
  • environmental pollution

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2618 KB  
Article
Metal-Associated Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Induces Cognitive Dysfunction: Polygonum multiflorum Improves Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Function
by Hye Ji Choi, Hyo Lim Lee and Ho Jin Heo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010230 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which contains heavy metals such as Al, Fe, Mg, and Mn, among others, induces cognitive dysfunction through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired mitochondria. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of a 40% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum [...] Read more.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which contains heavy metals such as Al, Fe, Mg, and Mn, among others, induces cognitive dysfunction through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired mitochondria. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of a 40% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum (EPM) on PM2.5-induced cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model. Behavioral assessments demonstrated attenuated learning and memory impairment following EPM treatment. Redox homeostasis was restored through increased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in the EPM group. Mitochondrial function was attenuated, as indicated by recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels. EPM inhibited neuroinflammation by downregulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and maintaining blood–brain barrier integrity through the upregulation of tight junction proteins. It modulated neuronal apoptosis through the JNK pathway, reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau. Synaptic plasticity was preserved through upregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling and cholinergic neurotransmission via regulation of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). To standardize EPM, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of the bioactive compound, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG). These findings suggest that EPM may be a promising functional food candidate for mitigating PM2.5-related cognitive impairments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment)
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13 pages, 1261 KB  
Article
Metallomic Profile of Placental Tissue and Its Association with Maternal and Neonatal Parameters: A Cross-Sectional ICP-OES Study in Lower Silesia
by Aleksandra Kuzan, Emilia Królewicz, Marta Kardach, Justyna Rewak-Soroczyńska, Małgorzata Kowalska, Aldona Molęda and Rafal J. Wiglusz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411985 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
The placenta, a temporary organ that connects mother and child for nutrient and metabolite exchange, becomes medical waste after birth but can provide valuable metabolic insights. Thirty-three placenta samples were analyzed using ICP-OES to determine concentrations of ten elements, including macro-, micro-, trace, [...] Read more.
The placenta, a temporary organ that connects mother and child for nutrient and metabolite exchange, becomes medical waste after birth but can provide valuable metabolic insights. Thirty-three placenta samples were analyzed using ICP-OES to determine concentrations of ten elements, including macro-, micro-, trace, and heavy metals. Results were compared with maternal and neonatal data, including Apgar scores, maternal age, and blood parameters. Correlations were found between elements (e.g., Ca–Mg, Fe–Zn, and Mn–Cu) and between mineral levels and maternal or infant parameters (e.g., Ca–RBC, Mn–Hb, Cu–PLT, and Cu–UA Pi). No quantifiable heavy metals were detected, nor associations with smoking, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, birth weight, or Apgar scores. Findings suggest that maintaining proper blood morphology and preventing anemia in pregnancy requires attention not only to iron but also to Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ levels. Manganese and copper assessment may be beneficial for diagnostic purposes in pregnant women. Further large-scale tissue studies are recommended, including comprehensive maternal–fetal health data such as Doppler velocimetry of placental vessels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment)
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25 pages, 4469 KB  
Article
Spirulina and Chlorella Dietary Supplements—Are They a Source Solely of Valuable Nutrients?
by Małgorzata Sochacka, Bartosz Kózka, Eliza Kurek and Joanna Giebułtowicz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110468 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 4720
Abstract
Spirulina and Chlorella are nutrient-rich microalgae widely consumed as dietary supplements; however, their high biosorption capacity raises concerns regarding the accumulation of environmental contaminants. This study analyzed 52 commercially available Spirulina and Chlorella products (29 conventional, 23 organic) to assess the co-occurrence of [...] Read more.
Spirulina and Chlorella are nutrient-rich microalgae widely consumed as dietary supplements; however, their high biosorption capacity raises concerns regarding the accumulation of environmental contaminants. This study analyzed 52 commercially available Spirulina and Chlorella products (29 conventional, 23 organic) to assess the co-occurrence of heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues, as these two classes of contaminants represent distinct yet complementary indicators of environmental pollution—heavy metals reflect long-term inputs from natural and industrial sources, while pharmaceuticals signal more recent contamination linked to human activity and wastewater discharge. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the presence of pharmaceutical residues—including cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, and sulfonamides—in both conventional and organic formulations of microalgae-based dietary supplements. The analyses were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Aluminum, manganese, strontium, and zinc were the dominant trace elements. All samples complied with EU regulatory limits for toxic metals. More importantly, a wide range of pharmaceutical residues was detected in the supplements. Caffeine was the most frequently found compound, followed by metronidazole, carbamazepine, benzocaine, and tramadol. Particular concern is raised by the calculated TWI (% of tolerable weekly intake) for aluminum. Principal Component Analysis revealed significant compositional differences between Spirulina and Chlorella products, with vanadium notably elevated in conventionally cultivated Spirulina. Surprisingly, no significant differences were observed between organic and conventional products within each algal type. Our findings provide a novel contribution to the field by highlighting the presence of pharmaceutical residues in microalgae-based supplements and addressing a critical knowledge gap concerning potential chronic exposure to these contaminants through dietary intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment)
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Review

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24 pages, 823 KB  
Review
Maternal–Fetal Exposure to Oncoelements and Their Oxidative and Epigenetic Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes
by Joanna Grzesik-Gąsior, Agnieszka Bień, Katarzyna Zalewska, Michał Nieszporek, Katarzyna Witkowska and Anna Merklinger-Gruchała
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020669 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 272
Abstract
The proper course of pregnancy and fetal development depends, among other factors, on maintaining adequate levels of micronutrients in the maternal body. This integrative, concept-driven narrative review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the impact of selected elements, referred to as oncoelements, [...] Read more.
The proper course of pregnancy and fetal development depends, among other factors, on maintaining adequate levels of micronutrients in the maternal body. This integrative, concept-driven narrative review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the impact of selected elements, referred to as oncoelements, on placental function and obstetric outcomes. These include both potentially protective elements (selenium, zinc, copper) and toxic metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic), which, in excess may disrupt oxidative, hormonal, and epigenetic homeostasis. Rather than providing a quantitative synthesis, the article is structured around a four-level conceptual model integrating molecular mechanisms, placental protection, clinical outcomes, and umbilical cord blood as a biomarker of prenatal exposure. Mechanisms of toxicity include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and altered gene expression. Given the observational nature of most studies, clinical recommendations remain cautious. Micronutrient assessment may be useful in selected high-risk groups, but requires further validation. In environmentally burdened regions, screening for toxic metals may be considered. Future research should clarify dose–response relationships, define threshold concentrations, and explore molecular biomarkers of exposure. Umbilical cord blood offers a promising matrix for assessing fetal exposure, although interpretation is limited by methodological variability and the lack of reference values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Metal Ions in Human Health, Diseases, and Environment)
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