Mechanisms of Environmental Chemical Toxicity Research of SWEHSC

The Mechanisms of Environmental Chemical Toxicity Research Core examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxic insult. After these mechanisms are identified, the possible toxicity of environmental chemicals can be predicted and possibly avoided. The members of this Research Core act as a substantial nucleus for other investigators to initiate studies relating to chemical disposition and its relationship to toxicity.

• chemical bioactivation
• genetic susceptibility to chemical disposition
• unique organ-specific disposition (and ensuing toxicity)
• bioaccumulation (absorption/excretion/transport) of toxicants
• toxicant transport,
• targeted tissues (e.g. bladder, ovary, heart)
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Toxicology at the University of Arizona:

• Toxicology studies at the University of Arizona evolved from descriptive and therapeutic efforts to fundamental studies that determine the mechanism(s) of toxicity.
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Arsenic Research:

• Arsenic research has long been a strong emphasis of environmental toxicology research at the University of Arizona because it is of particular concern to Arizona and the Southwest.
• Arsenic is:
  • present in our drinking water
  • contained in 300,000 acres of mine tailings scattered across the State
  • the most commont pollutant at Superfund Hazardous Waste sites
  • a known human carcinogen that affects:
    • the bladder, skin, lung, liver, and kidney
• non-cancerous effects are also seen, including:
  • skin lesions
  • cardiovascular effects
  • diabetes
• In most instances there are no adequate animal models with which to study the toxic effects of arsenic, and the mechanisms of toxicity subsequently remain to be elucidated.
  
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