Molybdenum
We get most of the molybdenum we need through our diet. We do not need a lot of it in our diet. We only need about 45ug a day for bodily functions. Molybdenum was first separated from graphite and lead in 1778. It is described as lead like and its name comes from a Greek word meaning lead like.
Benefits of Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a trace mineral but, very important in the roles it plays in the body.
Molybdenum Deficiency
Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) deficiency is a pleiotropic genetic disorder characterized by the loss of the molybdenum-dependent enzymes sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, and aldehyde oxidase, due to mutations in the genes involved with Moco biosynthesis.
Molybdenum Essentiality
Other than hearing about molybdenum probably sometime in chemistry it is not something often discussed. It is essential for life and is important in synthesis of four specific co-factors.
Toxicity
Molybdenum is not very toxic to humans. In rare cases of high exposure or consumption side effects of high uric acid levels in serum and urine and a gout like syndrome have been observed. Human research is limited and most of what is know about molybdenum is from animal testing. When inhaled metallic and soluble molybdenum trioxide have been reported to cause pneumoconiosis. Recent animal models have shown that exposure to copper and molybdenum can effect male reproductive health. In many ways molybdenum toxicity is like copper deficiency.
Treatments
For someone that is exposed to very high levels of Molybdenum copper can be used to reverse the effects. Molybdenum is used in the treatment of patients with Wilson’s disease. Treatment with molybdenum may also be beneficial for angiogenesis, inflammation, and other disorders associated with excess copper.
Molybdenum Mechanism of action
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Here you can see the enzymes and co-factors that molybdenum is used in and how it works in the body.
Toxicokinetics
Water-soluble molybdenum is readily absorbed when ingested. In animals 75% and 95% is absorbed while in humans it ranges from 28% to 77%. Once absorbed molybdenum is rapidly present in the blood and the highest concentrations are present in the kidneys, liver, and bones. When elevated exposure is stopped levels quickly return to normal. The metabolism of molybdenum is similar to copper and sulfur. Exposure to molybdenum decreases copper and sulfate uptake. Most of the molybdenum is excreted in the urine and less than a percent is excreted in the bile. Depending on diet the uptake and retention of molybdenum can very to what the body needs.
Conclusion
Molybdenum is a fairly safe metal that our bodies need. We get enough from our daily diets and do not need to worry to much about deficiencies. The carcinogenicity of molybdenum is low but as with anything to much can be toxic and lead to problems.
References:
ar E.J., & Boyd W.A., & Freedman J.H., & Waalkes M.P. (2013). Toxic effects of metals. Klaassen C.D.(Ed.), Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, Eighth Edition. McGraw-Hill. https://accesspharmacy-mhmedical-com.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/content.aspx?bookid=958§ionid=53483748
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Ffigure%2FThe-reaction-mechanism-for-xanthine-oxidase-Catalysis-is-initiated-by-base-assisted_fig1_45113411&psig=AOvVaw2vuSsGLDG603gkxCkD4cgS&ust=1592592456069000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJCrk7ODjOoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD