Autori: Walker, J.D., Enache, M., Dearden, J.C.

Editorial: Environ. Toxicol. Chem. , 22, p.1916-1935, 2003.

Rezumat:

Developing and validating quantitative cationic–activity relationships or (Q)CARs to predict the toxicity metals is
challenging because of issues associated with metal speciation, complexation and interactions within biological systems and the
media used to study these interactions. However, a number of simplifying assumptions can be used to develop and validate (Q)CARs
to predict the toxicity of metals: The ionic form is the most active form of a metal; the bioactivity of a dissolved metal is correlated
with its free ion concentration or activity; most metals exist in biological systems as cations, and differences in metal toxicity result
from differences in metal ion binding to biological molecules (ligand-binding). In summary, it appears that certain useful correlations
can be made between several physical and chemical properties of ions (mostly cations) and toxicity of metals. This review provides
a historical perspective of studies that have reported correlations between physical and chemical properties of cations and toxicity
to mammalian and nonmammalian species using in vitro and in vivo assays. To prepare this review, approximately 100 contributions
dating from 1839 to 2003 were evaluated and the relationships between about 20 physical and chemical properties of cations and
their potential to produce toxic effects were examined.

Cuvinte cheie: Quantitive structure–activity relationships, Inorganic chemicals, Metals, Toxicity