Title:Lanthanum, Gallium and their Impact on Oxidative Stress
VOLUME: 26 ISSUE: 22
Author(s):Lozan Todorov*, Irena Kostova and Maria Traykova
Affiliation:Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Sofia, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Sofia, Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Sofia
Keywords:Lanthanum, gallium, oxidative stress, antioxidants, anticancer agents, apoptosis.
Abstract:The role metals play in living organisms is well established and subject to extensive
research. Some of them participate in electron-exchange reactions. Such reactions cause
generation of free radicals that can adversely impact biological systems, as a result of oxidative
stress. The impact of ‘non-biological’ metals on oxidative stress is also a worthy pursuit
due to the crucial role they play in modern civilization. Lanthanides (Ln) are widely used in
modern technology. As a result, human exposure to them is increasing. They have a number
of established medical applications and are being extensively researched for their potential
antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review focuses on lanthanum
(La) and its impact on oxidative stress. Another metal, widely used in modern high-tech
is gallium (Ga). In some respects, it shows certain similarities to La, therefore it is a subject of
the present review as well. Both metals exhibit ionic mimicry which allows them to specifically
target malignant cells, initiating apoptosis that makes their simple salts and coordination
complexes promising candidates for future anticancer agents.