Advances on the toxicity of uranium to different organisms

Abstract

The extensive application of radioactive element uranium (U) and its compounds in the nuclear industry has significantly increased the risk of exposure to the environment. Therefore, research on the safety risks and toxicity mechanisms of U exposure has received increasing attention. This paper reviews the toxic effects of U on different species under different conditions, and summarizes the potential toxicity mechanisms. Under the exposure of U, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in cells will damage membrane structure in cells, and inhibit respiratory chain reaction by reducing the production of NADH and ATP. It also induce the expression of apoptosis factors such as Bcl-2, Bid, Bax, and caspase family to cause apoptosis cascade reaction, leading to DNA degradation and cell death. We innovatively list some methods to reduce the toxicity of U because some microorganisms can precipitate uranyl ions through biomineralization or reduction processes. Our work provides a solid foundation for further risk assessment of U.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Chemical toxicity; Organism; Oxidative stress; Respiratory chain; Uranium.