Host-microbiota interplay in arsenic metabolism: Implications on host glucose homeostasis

Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring element with unique properties, has been recognized as the largest mass poisoning in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 200 million people worldwide are exposed to toxic levels of arsenic due to natural and anthropogenic activities. This widespread exposure necessitates a deeper understanding of microbe-arsenic interactions and their potential influence on host exposure and health risks. It is a major causative factor for metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Arsenic exposure has been linked to dysfunction in various cell types and tissues, notably affecting pancreatic islet cells. Numerous mechanisms have been identified to be responsible for arsenic exposure under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. These mechanisms contribute to the regulation of processes underlying diabetes etiology, such as glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Unlike other toxic elements, arsenic undergoes metabolism by living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. Other toxic elements like Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are generally not metabolized in the same way as Arsenic in microbes, plants and animals. In this review, we strive to initiate a dialogue by reviewing known aspects of microbe-arsenic interactions and placing it in the context of the potential for influencing host exposure and health risks. This review provides an up-to-date insight into arsenic metabolism by the human body and its associated microbiota, as well as the deciphered molecular pathways linking the different species of arsenic in the etiology of diabetes. Additionally, the future perspectives of mitigation and detoxification of arsenic in translational medicine and limitations in current scenarios are discussed. The comprehensive review presented here underscores the importance of exploring the complex interplay between arsenic metabolism, host-microbiota interactions, and their implications on glucose homeostasis and metabolic diseases. It emphasizes the need for continued research to develop effective strategies for mitigating arsenic-related health risks and fostering better translational medicine approaches.