Unraveling the ceramide-calpain-caspase connection in cadmium-induced apoptosis: a novel role for ceramides as activators of calpains. Focus on “Cadmium-induced ceramide formation triggers calpain-dependent apoptosis in cultured kidney proximal tubule cells”

Abstract

cadmium (Cd2+) is a nonessential heavy metal that is known as an important industrial and environmental pollutant. In industrialized countries the Cd2+ burden on the environment has generally declined, once it became clear that Cd2+ represents a dangerous health hazard. This reduction of Cd2+