Research progress on hepatotoxicity induced by common heavy metals in environment

With the development of industry and the improvement of living standards, heavy metals directly or indirectly threaten human life and health through various channels such as occupational exposure, industrial pollution, and commodity manufacturing. The adverse health effects caused by heavy metals show multiple systemic and organ damage, and all can cause liver damage. In this paper, combined with research conducted in the past five years at home and abroad, we summarized the hepatotoxic effects and possible mechanisms of common heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic) in the environment caused by single or combined exposure. The article pointed out that current assessment systems for joint exposure remain to be improved and related toxicity mechanisms to be elucidated, aiming to provide insights for further research.