Volume 19 entitled Essential Metals in Medicine: Therapeutic Use and Toxicity of Metal Ions in
the Clinic of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences centers on the role of metal ions in
clinical medicine. Metal ions are tightly regulated in human health: while essential to life
they can be toxic as well. Following an introductory chapter briefly discussing several
important metal-related drugs and diseases and a chapter about drug development the focus is
fi rst on iron: its essentiality for pathogens and humans as well as its toxicity. Chelation
therapy is addressed in the context of thalassemia its relationship to neurodegenerative
diseases and also the risks connected with iron administration are pointed out. A subject of
intense debate is the essentiality of chromium and vanadium. For example chromium(III)
compounds are taken as a nutritional supplement by athletes and bodybuilders in contrast
chromate Cr(VI) is toxic and a carcinogen for humans. The benefi cial and toxic effects of
manganese cobalt and copper on humans are discussed. The need for antiparasitic agents is
emphasized as well as the clinical aspects of metal-containing antidotes for cyanide poisoning.
In addition to the essential and possibly essential ones also other metal ions play important
roles in human health causing harm (like the metalloid arsenic lead or cadmium) or being used
in diagnosis or treatment of human diseases like gadolinium gallium lithium gold silver or
platinum. The impact of this vibrant research area on metals in the clinic is provided in 14
stimulating chapters written by internationally recognized experts from the Americas Europe
and China and is manifested by approximately 2000 references and about 90 illustrations and
tables. Essential Metals in Medicine: Therapeutic Use and Toxicity of Metal Ions in the Clinic
is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from pharmacology enzymology
material sciences analytical organic and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to
medicine ... not forgetting that it also provides excellent information for teaching.
