Trace elements in the human body make up less than 0.01 percent of total body weight. Examples include arsenic, selenium, iron, copper, zinc and iodine, amongst others. These elements play an important role in cell function and homeostasis meaning inadequate or excessive trace element intake can result in homeostatic disruption and subsequently lead to disease. The functional link between trace elements and health has been studied for decades. The recent discovery of iron- and copper-mediated cell death has helped make significant contributions to understanding the pathological effect these elements have on disease. However, the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for trace element-related diseases remain unclear.
This Research Topic aims to bring together Original Research, Method, Hypothesis & Theory, Review, and Perspective articles that highlight both the potentially harmful and beneficial effects of the seven trace elements arsenic, selenium, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, and fluorine in human health and disease. Additionally, we hope to receive studies on the molecular mechanisms of these trace elements in single cells, whole animals, or human populations. Finally, based on trace element balance, studies should address the potential application value of natural plants rich in trace elements in the treatment of diseases caused by trace element deficiency.
The subtopics include, but are not limited to:
(1) Studies on the risk assessment of trace elements to health;
(2) Studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms of trace elements and their effects on health;
(3) Studies on the newly discovered types of cell death in trace elements-related diseases, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and copper-mediated cell death;
(4) Therapeutic interventions in diseases caused by trace element deficiency or excess using trace-element-rich natural plants.
Trace elements in the human body make up less than 0.01 percent of total body weight. Examples include arsenic, selenium, iron, copper, zinc and iodine, amongst others. These elements play an important role in cell function and homeostasis meaning inadequate or excessive trace element intake can result in homeostatic disruption and subsequently lead to disease. The functional link between trace elements and health has been studied for decades. The recent discovery of iron- and copper-mediated cell death has helped make significant contributions to understanding the pathological effect these elements have on disease. However, the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for trace element-related diseases remain unclear.
This Research Topic aims to bring together Original Research, Method, Hypothesis & Theory, Review, and Perspective articles that highlight both the potentially harmful and beneficial effects of the seven trace elements arsenic, selenium, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, and fluorine in human health and disease. Additionally, we hope to receive studies on the molecular mechanisms of these trace elements in single cells, whole animals, or human populations. Finally, based on trace element balance, studies should address the potential application value of natural plants rich in trace elements in the treatment of diseases caused by trace element deficiency.
The subtopics include, but are not limited to:
(1) Studies on the risk assessment of trace elements to health;
(2) Studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms of trace elements and their effects on health;
(3) Studies on the newly discovered types of cell death in trace elements-related diseases, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and copper-mediated cell death;
(4) Therapeutic interventions in diseases caused by trace element deficiency or excess using trace-element-rich natural plants.