Cell apoptosis of caprine spleen induced by toxicity of cadmium with different levels of molybdenum

Cadmium and molybdenum co-induce pyroptosis and apoptosis via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis in the livers of Shaoxing ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

“…65 Multiple studies have testified that exposure to Cd and excess Mo can cause apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway in the spleen and kidneys. 66,67 In our experiments, the results indicated that Cd or/and Mo markedly elevated Bak-1, Bax, Cyt C and Caspase-3 mRNA expression levels and Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3/Caspase-3 protein levels, and reduced the Bcl-2 mRNA expression level and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax; their changes were most apparent in ducks co-exposed to Cd and Mo, which suggests that Cd or/ and Mo can activate apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in duck livers, and the results of the ultrastructure of the liver also further proved this conclusion. The ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that mitochondrial swelling, disruption of cristae and vacuolization, nucleus deformation and karyopyknosis were observed in all Mo and Cd treated groups, especially the Cd and Mo co-treated group.…”