Vol. 9, Issue 6 (2020)

Author(s):
Kamdev Sethy, S Pati, D Jena, SK Panda, SK Pradhan and CK Mishra

Abstract:
Heavy metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) are grouped in environmental pollutants that may alter homeostasis in the body. These metals can damage the cells through different mechanisms, including direct damage of cell membrane and damage of certain organelles, altering signal transduction pathway or affecting the intracellular enzymatic system. The toxicity depends on various factors which include nutritional status of the animals, age, sex, route of exposure, amount, tissue distribution, accumulation and excretion. They cause toxicity by promoting the production of oxidative stress and reactive oxidative species at molecular level. They may cause inhibition of enzymes, inhibition protein synthesis, changes in nucleic acid functioning and changes in cell membrane permeability. Industrial progress, industrialization, urbanization and agricultural production have become permanent resources of heavy metals in environment. Therefore, an attention should be paid to understanding the problems and its amelioration in animals