Cellular mechanisms of cadmium-induced toxicity: a review

Abstract

Cadmium is a widespread toxic pollutant of occupational and environmental concern because of its diverse toxic effects: extremely protracted biological half-life (approximately 20-30 years in humans), low rate of excretion from the body and storage predominantly in soft tissues (primarily, liver and kidneys). It is an extremely toxic element of continuing concern because environmental levels have risen steadily due to continued worldwide anthropogenic mobilization. Cadmium is absorbed in significant quantities from cigarette smoke, food, water and air contamination and is known to have numerous undesirable effects in both humans and animals. Cadmium has a diversity of toxic effects including nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and endocrine and reproductive toxicities. At the cellular level, cadmium affects cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other cellular activities. Current evidence suggests that exposure to cadmium induces genomic instability through complex and multifactorial mechanisms. Most important seems to be cadmium interaction with DNA repair mechanism, generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of apoptosis. In this article, we have reviewed recent developments and findings on cadmium toxicology.

Studies on heavy metal contamination in Godavari river basin

“…BIS (2012) proposed that the maximum desirable limit of cadmium is 3 lg/L without any relaxation in the absence of another source. Surface waters have been contaminated by industrial wastes, plating works, plants manufacturing cadmium pigments, textile operations, cadmium-stabilized plastics, or nickel-cadmium batteries, or by effluents from sewage treatment plants (Rani et al 2014). …”

Hepatocellular carcinoma and the risk of occupational exposure

“…Based on epidemiological data, the IARC states that there is no evidence of unequivocal carcinogenic effects of Cd [278][279][280][281][282] . However, many animal studies have demonstrated the ability of Cd to determine various tumors, including HCC.…”

Mitigating Effect of Resveratrol on the Structural Changes of Mice Liver and Kidney Induced by Cadmium; A Stereological Study

“…Release of Cd into the environment resulting from its use poses a potential danger to the general population and represents major health hazards. Exposure to Cd has harmful effects on the cells and tissues in a variety of organs, including the liver and kidney (4). Acute and chronic contacts with Cd lead to collection of the metal in the liver, inducing hepatotoxicity (5,6).…”