Action Of Cadmium Research Articles

The Protective Impact of Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Extract against Prooxidative Cadmium Action in the Brain-A Study in an In Vivo Model of Current Environmental Human Exposure to This Harmful Element.

Cadmium (Cd) is a prooxidant that adversely affects human health, including the nervous system. As exposure of the general population to this heavy metal is inevitable, it is crucial to look for agents that can prevent the effects of its toxic action. An experimental model on female rats of current lifetime human exposure to cadmium (3-24-months' treatment with 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet) was used to test whether low-level and moderate intoxication can exert a prooxidative impact in the brain and whether supplementation with a 0.1% extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott (AE; chokeberry extract) can protect against this action. Numerous parameters of the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative barrier, as well as total antioxidative and oxidative status (TAS and TOS, respectively), were determined and the index of oxidative stress (OSI) was calculated. Moreover, chosen prooxidants (myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and hydrogen peroxide) and biomarkers of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid were assayed. Cadmium dysregulated the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the brain and led to oxidative stress and oxidative injury of the cellular macromolecules, whereas the co-administration of AE alleviated these effects. To summarize, long-term, even low-level, cadmium exposure can pose a risk of failure of the nervous system by the induction of oxidative stress in the brain, whereas supplementation with products based on aronia berries seems to be an effective protective strategy.

Short-Term Pretreatment with Melatonin Increases the Resistance of Barley Plants to the Subsequent Action of Cadmium

The effect of short-term and long-term root treatment with melatonin on growth parameters, photochemical activity of PSII, content of basic photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, and accumulation ofinorganic ions in barley plants under the action of cadmium chloridewas studied. It was shown for the first time that the protectiveeffect of phytomelatonin during short-term treatment is manifested ina decrease in the toxic effect of cadmium on the content ofphotosynthetic pigments and the accumulation of cadmium ions in theshoots and roots of barley plants. The protective effect of melatoninis based on its ability to reduce the intensity of oxidative stress bymaintaining the level of carotenoids and increasing the activity ofantioxidant enzymes. The effectiveness of short-term use of melatoninin a number of indicators exceeds its protective effect from long-termexposure. The data obtained indicate the possibility of usingmelatonin as a substance that induces the state of plant priming uponsubsequent exposure to cadmium.

Short-Term Pretreatment with Melatonin Increases the Resistance of Barley Plants to the Subsequent Action of Cadmium

The effect of short-term and long-term root treatment with melatonin on growth parameters, photochemical activity of PSII, content of basic photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, and accumulation of inorganic ions in barley plants under the action of cadmium chloride was studied. It was shown for the first time that the protective effect of phytomelatonin during short-term treatment is manifested in a decrease in the toxic effect of cadmium on the content of photosynthetic pigments and the accumulation of cadmium ions in the shoots and roots of barley plants. The protective effect of melatonin is based on its ability to reduce the intensity of oxidative stress by maintaining the level of carotenoids and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The effectiveness of short-term use of melatonin in a number of indicators exceeds its protective effect from long-term exposure. The data obtained indicate the possibility of using melatonin as a substance that induces the state of plant priming upon subsequent exposure to cadmium.

Amino acid composition of proteins of meristem cells of maize roots under the combined action of lead, cadmium and nickel ions

Heavy metals are one of the main causes of plant damage. The main route of entry of metals into plants is their absorption by the root system from the soil. The accumulation of heavy metals in plants disrupts the flow of biochemical processes. Amino acid metabolism is one of the important factors that ensure biochemical adaptation of organisms to environmental changes. Therefore, the aim of the work was to study the content of protein amino acids in the generative tissues of the maize root under the combined action of lead, cadmium and nickel ions at the early stages of ontogenesis. To assess the impact of heavy metals, two-day-old corn seedlings were transplanted to solutions with heavy metal ions of various concentrations, both individually and in a mixture. The content of protein amino acids in the meristem was characterized by significant variation associated with both quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of water-soluble proteins during germination. The level of accumulation of amino acids in the meristem cells of maize roots depended on the concentration of the xenobiotic and the germination period, and the general regularity of the influence of nickel ions was a decrease in the content of arginine, leucine, alanine and an increase in the content of histidine, cysteine, serine, proline, and valine. During the period of germination, the qualitative amino acid composition of plants did not change, while the quantitative content of individual amino acids varied greatly. Various increases in the content of dicarboxylic amino acids (glutamate and aspartate) testify to the intensification of metabolic processes under the influence of the studied substances. However, it cannot be excluded that the increase in the content of glutamic and aspartic acids is associated with a decrease in the speed of their utilization. In addition, heavy metals caused an increase in the content of amino acids of the ornithine cycle (arginine) and the end product of the cycle (proline) to varying degrees. Proline is an amino acid that has a stress-protective effect due to the binding of proline aggregates to surface hydrophobic residues of proteins, which prevents their denaturation. Perhaps a similar protective effect of proline occurs in the case, which is being considered.

Tests for Inhibiting the Action of Cadmium by Selective Interactions with Zinc and Copper; in-vitro Investigations on the Phaseolus-vulgaris Plant

Knowing that heavy metals are characterized by the cumulative effects on the one hand and that they are present in biological systems at very low doses, which makes their effects latent and often irreversible. It is in this perspective and in order to try to solve the problem of detoxification of this type of major contaminant, we opted for an effective solution which is detoxification by antagonism based on selective interaction. The choice is made for Cadmium which is considered a very harmful element on the one hand and its almost total presence in the entire ecosystem. The investigation protocol is based on two complementary steps which are: • Determination of the Cadmium toxicity threshold vis-àvis the selected plant Phaseolus-Vulgaris. • Study of the interaction between and Cadmium and Zinc and Cadmium Copper selected for the application And the verification of the reduction of the harmful effect by selective competition.

Root Growth of Transgenic Tobacco Plants with Overexpression of Expansin and Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase Genes under Cadmium Stress

Expansins and xyloglucan endotransglycosylases play an important role in the regulation of plant growth under optimal and stressful conditions. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing NtEXPA1 and NtEXPA5 expansin genes and NtEXGT xyloglucan endotransglycosylase of Nicotiana tabacum L. have been previously created by the authors. The aim of this work was the morphophysiological analysis of the roots of these transgenic tobacco plants under conditions of cadmium stress. Transgenic tobacco plants were characterized by increased root length compared to wild type plants, both under optimal conditions and when exposed to cadmium. The area of parenchyma cells of roots of transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing NtEXPA1 and NtEXPA5 expansin genes was greater than the wild type, while the cell sizes, on the contrary, were smaller in the case of the transgene NtEXGT. Overexpression of NtEXPA1,NtEXPA5, and NtEXGT genes contributed to an increase in the total antioxidant capacity and activity of ascorbate peroxidases and a decrease in the content of proline in the roots under the action of cadmium. In the shoots of plants transgenic for the expansin genes, a lower content of MDA was found both under optimal conditions and under the action of cadmium. Thus, it has been shown that NtEXPA1 and NtEXPA5 transgenes have a stimulating effect on the growth of tobacco roots under conditions of cadmium stress by enhancing cell expansion and a positive effect on the components of the antioxidant system. The NtEXGT gene is also involved in root growth under the action of cadmium, including through the effect on the antioxidant system.

EFFECT OF THE FEED ADDITIVE BUTASELMEVIT-PLUS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF THE RAT BODY DUE TO CADMIUM AND LEAD INTOXICATION

The relevance of the study subject is due to the need to create effective methods for preventing the poisoning of animals with heavy metals because lead and cadmium are among the environmental pollutants that negatively affect agriculture and are potentially dangerous to animal and human health. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of the feed additive Butaselmevit-Plus on the antioxidant protection of the rat body under the chronic action of cadmium and lead. Experimental studies were performed on 2 groups of male rats, 6 animals each. In the control and experimental groups, rats were given a 16.6% aqueous solution of lead acetate at a dose of 100 mg/kg (0.6 ml/kg) of body weight and 0.029% aqueous solution of cadmium chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg (6.9 ml/kg) of body weight. In the experimental group, the rats were additionally provided with food containing the feed additive Butaselmevit-Plus in the amount of 0.1 g per 100 g of body weight. Experimental lead-cadmium toxicosis in the blood serum of rats demonstrated a substantial decrease in the indicators of the antioxidant protection system (reduced glutathione – by 38.4%, superoxide dismutase – by 27.6%, catalase – by 22.7%). On the fourteenth day of the experiment, the lowest activity of the antioxidant protection system indicators in the blood of control rats was observed with the combined administration of heavy metals. Under the experimental load of lead and cadmium, the feed additive Butaselmevit-Plus demonstrated antioxidant properties, which is due to its chemical composition (milk thistle, selenium, methionine, and vitamins). The introduction of the feed additive Butaselmevit-Plus to the rats of the experimental group contributed to an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the blood serum by 22.7 and 20.7%, respectively. When providing this feed additive to rats of the experimental group, an increase in the level of reduced glutathione was also identified, which reached its maximum value on the 28th day of the experiment. Thus, the results of the study confirm the effectiveness of using the supplement Butaselmevit-Plus to improve the antioxidant status of animals in conditions of chronic intoxication of the rat body with lead and cadmium. The practical value of the results obtained is to substantiate the feasibility of using the feed additive Butaselmevit-Plus in animal husbandry to prevent the negative impact of heavy metals on the animal body

Environmental exposure of the general population to cadmium as a risk factor of the damage to the nervous system: A critical review of current data.

Nowadays, more and more attention has been focused on the risk of the neurotoxic action of cadmium (Cd) under environmental exposure. Due to the growing incidence of nervous system diseases, including neurodegenerative changes, and suggested involvement of Cd in their aetiopathogenesis, this review aimed to discuss critically this element neurotoxicity. Attempts have been made to recognize at which concentrations in the blood and urine Cd may increase the risk of damage to the nervous system and compare it to the risk of injury of other organs and systems. The performed overview of the available literature shows that Cd may have an unfavourable impact on the human's nervous system at the concentration >0.8μg Cd/L in the urine and >0.6μg Cd/L in the blood. Because such concentrations are currently noted in the general population of industrialized countries, it can be concluded that environmental exposure to this xenobiotic may create a risk of damage to the nervous system and be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as worsening cognitive and behavioural functions. The potential mechanism of Cd neurotoxicity consists in inducing oxidative stress, disrupting the activity of enzymes essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system and destroying the homoeostasis of bioelements in the brain. Thus, further studies are necessary to recognize accurately both the risk of nervous system damage in the general population due to environmental exposure to Cd and the mechanism of this action.

Plant Ploidy Level and the Presence of Cadmium in the Growing Environment Changes the Content of the Main Components of the Phenolic Complex in Buckwheat Sprouts.

For the first time, the composition and the content of the main components of the phenolic complex of aboveground organs of buckwheat plants (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) with different levels of ploidy (2n and 4n) at the initial stages of ontogenesis and their changes under the action of cadmium (Cd, 65µM) were studied by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. In all variants, phenolic compounds (PCs) were represented by chlorogenic acid (phenylpropanoid), rutin (flavonol), as well as orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin (flavones). The amount of PCs in the cotyledon leaves in most cases exceeded that in the hypocotyls. Buckwheat seedlings of the tetraploid genotype are characterized by a higher accumulation of PCs as compared to the diploid genotype. Under the effect of Cd, the content of their individual representatives changed: in the hypocotyls of the diploid genotype, it decreased in most cases, whereas in the hypocotyls of the tetraploid genotype it increased. In the cotyledon leaves, the tendency was opposite. It was found that seedlings of two F. esculentum genotypes with different ploidy levels differed in the content of the main PCs and in their response to Cd, which is important for breeding this culture for stress resistance.

Множинні ефекти хронічного низькодозового впливу кадмію на печінку, остеогенез та гемопоез тварин і людини

Cadmium salts are among the TOP-20 of the most dangerous compounds for animals in terms of toxicity. At the same time, today there is a paradigm shift in the studies of cadmium effects: in contrast to the acute effects of intoxication, more importance and practical relevance is attained by studying the continued chronic exposure to small cadmium doses (Chronic Low Cd Exposure) which can take place in real environmental conditions of industrially polluted regions and already impacts about 10% of the world population. While the early changes in kidneys and marker parameters of the urinary system under the action of cadmium are being studied quite actively, cadmium effects on other organs and systems in the body are insufficiently investigated. The purpose of the study was to analyse the multiple effects of cadmium on liver function, osteogenesis, haematopoiesis, and haemostasis in animals and humans. Protective mechanisms that reduce cadmium accumulation in hepatocytes compared to renal cells, in particular, the role of cellular transporters of biogenic metal ions (Fe2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+), are systematized. Results and discussion. Cadmium mostly uses divalent metal transporter 1 and Zrt/Irt-like transporters, such as ZIP8 and ZIP14. Given the role of liver in the chelation and deposition of cadmium in the form of complexes with metallothioneins and glutathione, the significant potential of chelating and antioxidant hepatoprotectants to reduce negative effects is suggested. The role of exogenous chemical chelators and antioxidants in detoxifying cadmium is supported by the studies of other cadmium-binding molecules (glutathione, polyphenols, anthocyanins). Both direct effects of cadmium on the osteogenesis and calcium metabolism, and indirect effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts are considered. In particular, current data on cadmium role in the development of endemic disease Itai-Itai in Japan is discussed. Notably, cadmium effect in children has a special hazards and long-term consequences. Data on cadmium role in interfering Ca2+ metabolism, particularly its effects on epithelial calcium channels (TRPV5) and Na-phosphate co-transporters (SLC34A1) are summarized. Conclusion. Current data suggest that chronic effects of cadmium in ultra-low concentrations upon the osteogenesis are even more evident than in renal system. A review of current data on cadmium effects upon the hematopoietic system in animal models is presented. The earliest studies found relation between cadmium and haemoglobin decrease, which could be mediated by interfering with intracellular Fe traffic, and effects on erythropoietin synthesis. Cadmium affected haemostasis and increased platelet aggregation. Animal studies suggest that chronic cadmium toxicity leads to hypercoagulation and increases the risks of thrombosis. Based on the summarized data, it is concluded that the investigating cadmium effects on hematopoiesis and hemostasis is a promising area for further studies of chronic low-dose cadmium exposure

Вплив кадмію на здоров'я дітей в пренатальний та постнатальний періоди розвитку

The purpose of the study was to analyze on the basis of foreign literature the effects of the toxic action of cadmium on the process of embryonic and postnatal development of the child, which remain insufficiently studied. The consequences of cadmium effect on children remain insufficiently studied, although cadmium is a documented developmental toxicant. The studies show that the placenta is an important target tissue for cadmium toxic effects during pregnancy. The result of the accumulation of cadmium in the placenta is as follows: a decrease in the utero-placental circulation, changes in the integrity of cells of trophoblast and cell migration, a decrease in the synthesis and metabolism of placental hormones, disorder of the placental epigenetic regulation of cell growth, as well as immune and inflammatory signal transmission. The high level of cadmium in the placenta and umbilical cord blood can be a risk factor for deterioration of infants’ state and impact on the development of a child in the future. So far, only some aspects of the toxicokinetics of the placental cadmium and its adverse effect on intrauterine growth and development are known. The level of cadmium in the mother's serum during pregnancy is associated with the risk of premature birth. There are increasing evidence on connection between the effect of cadmium and unfavorable consequences of childbirth, as well as disorders of anthropometric indicators that differ in children of different gender. In the fetus of the female gender body weight at birth tends to decrease, the chest circumference had a tendency to decrease and these indicators corresponded to an increase in the level of cadmium in the mother’s blood. Cadmium acts as an immunotoxic agent from the very early age, even very low levels of cadmium exposure during pregnancy can lead to long-term detrimental consequences for the immune system of offspring and these effects, as well as others depend on the gender. Models to study the effect of cadmium at an early age on the development of diseases in more mature age are developed. The models in mice show that the effect of cadmium on the body leads to an increase in heart mass at birth and programs hypertension development in females in adulthood. Poisoning, which occurs at an early age (in utero and in early childhood), may have a strong influence on the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome throughout life. The chronic prenatal effect of cadmium is associated with the late development of IQ in children, while prenatal influence of passive smoking has an increased risk of delaying cognitive development of infants aged 6 months. Early mortality from various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and neurological problems, correlated with intrauterine or early post-natal impact of metal. Conclusion. Cadmium is classified as a potential neurotoxicant, it reaches the brain in the early stages of the development of the fetus and is associated with behavioral and cognitive dysfunction, including bad learning memory in children of early and late childhood. The adverse consequences of the prenatal effect of cadmium for the development of the fetus and subsequent health of children have discovered a number of non-solved problems, the gender should be considered as a risk factor, since cadmium causes specific results that are veiled in mixed on gender investigations

Insights into Cadmium-Induced Carcinogenesis through an In Vitro Study Using C3H10T1/2Cl8 Cells: The Multifaceted Role of Mitochondria.

In this paper, we report the metabolic characterization of two foci, F1 and F3, obtained at the end of Cell Transformation Assay (CTA), performed by treating C3H10T1/2Cl8 mouse embryo fibroblasts with 1 μM CdCl2 for 24 h. The elucidation of the cadmium action mechanism can be useful both to improve the in vitro CTA and to yield insights into carcinogenesis. The metabolism of the two foci was investigated through Seahorse and enzyme activity assays; mitochondria were studied in confocal microscopy and reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that F1 focus has higher glycolytic and TCA fluxes compared to F3 focus, and a more negative mitochondrial membrane potential, so that most ATP synthesis is performed through oxidative phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy showed mitochondria crowded in the perinuclear region. On the other hand, F3 focus showed lower metabolic rates, with ATP mainly produced by glycolysis and damaged mitochondria. Overall, our results showed that cadmium treatment induced lasting metabolic alterations in both foci. Triggered by the loss of the Pasteur effect in F1 focus and by mitochondrial impairment in F3 focus, these alterations lead to a loss of coordination among glycolysis, TCA and oxidative phosphorylation, which leads to malignant transformation.

The effect of cadmium and growth regulator «epin-extra» on rice plants (Оryza Sativa L.) growth and biomass accumulation

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal. Under certain conditions, cadmium ions, having great mobility in soils, easily pass into plants, accumulate in them and then enter the body of animals and humans. Anthropogenic sources of cadmium entering the environment are industrial complexes producing or using cadmium, as well as thermal power plants and mineral fertilizers. The cadmium that entered the soil is mainly present in it in a mobile form, which has negative ecological significance.Various strategies are being developed to reduce the toxic effects of cadmium. The use of growth regulators can also affect the phytotoxic effects of cadmium. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the growth of the regulator “Epin-extra” under the action of cadmium on rice plants. The effect of cadmium and the growth of the regulator “Epin-extra” on the growth and biomass of aboveground organs and roots of different varieties of rice in the presence of cadmium ions in the substrate was studied. Variants without cadmium with the use of “Epin-extra” for seed soaking (“Epin1-control”) and with the addition to the growing substrate (“Epin2-control”) served as a control.The use of the growth regulator “Epin-extra” led to an increase in the growth parameters of aerial organs and roots in the absence and in the presence of cadmium ions in the growing substrate, increasing the resistance of plants. A different effect was found depending on the form of application of the growth regulator, and varietal differences were also observed, which indicates a genetic difference in plant re- sponses to the action of a toxicant and growth regulators, which is due to various complex mechanisms of the signaling system in different genotypes under stress conditions with the involvement of the hormonal system of plants.   Key words: rice, cadmium, tolerance, growth, growth regulator, “Epin-extra”.

Вплив деяких хімічних канцерогенів довкілля на захворюваність гормонозалежними пухлинами та можливі механізми його реалізації (огляд літератури)

Objective: We determined the possible effects of priority chemical environmental carcinogens on the incidence of hormone-dependent tumors and the mechanisms of their effect on the basis of the analysis of literature data and our own research. Results: The performed analysis demonstrates the scanity of the research devoted to the study of chemical carcinogens which are concerned only with the class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzo(a)pyrene (BP), atmospheric pollution, emissions from vehicles, the cadmium heavy metal and products of smoking containing these substances. The connection with PAH (BP) and the development of breast, ovarian cancer, cadmium with the development of breast, endometrial, ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men was established. Epidemiological data, combined with experimental ones, suggest a possible contribution of carcinogens into the increase of the incidence of hormone-dependent tumors. At the same time, mechanisms of action of PAH and cadmium on the development of hormone-dependent tumors are unclear. The accumulated experimental and epidemiological data allow us to conclude that the oncological danger of these carcinogens lies in the combination of genotoxic and hormone-mimetic properties; the main mechanisms, involved in the realization of the effect of BP and cadmium, are associated with changes and disorders at different levels of the structural and functional organization of the organism, including the endocrine system, which can lead to the development of tumors. The urgency of the problem of the incidence of hormone-dependent tumors and the potential role of the studied chemical carcinogens as pollutants of the environment of human functions indicate the need to take these circumstances into account when developing and implementing preventive measures.

The electrophysiological effects of cadmium on Retzius nerve cells of the leech Haemopis sanguisuga

Cadmium is considered one of the most toxic heavy metals which can cause cytotoxicity in multiple organs including the brain. Despite many studies over the past decades, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity remain unclear. The present study was designed to examine the acute effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on the electrical activity of the Retzius nerve cells of leech Haemopis sanguisuga using electrophysiological techniques. CdCl2, in concentrations of 10–100 μM, produced a dose- and time-dependent depolarization of Retzius neurons, paralleled by an increase in firing frequency and action potential duration. To examine potential mechanisms, we studied the effects of cadmium on the outward potassium current upon depolarization using a point microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Reduction of the fast, and partial inhibition of the slow outward current were observed after adding 50 and 100 μM CdCl2 in the external fluid. The present results support the view that the effect of cadmium on the outward potassium channel may be a potential contributing mechanism for cadmium-induced neurotoxic damage. The proposed mechanism of cadmium action on the electrical properties of leech Retzius neurons might have broader significance concerning not only the leeches but vertebrate brains as well.

Вклад гена TROLC в регуляцию роста табака при действии стрессовых факторов

The trolC gene refers to plast genes that have entered the genome of Nicotiana tabacum as a probable result of horizontal transfer from Agrobacterium rhizogenes. It was shown that the trolC gene is expressed in young tissues of wild type tobacco; however, the physiological functions of the product of this gene remain largely unknown. The aim of our work was to obtain transgenic tobacco plants expressing a fragment of the trolC gene under the control of the 35SCaMV promoter in an antisense orientation and to assess the growth parameters of their roots under the action of abiotic stress factors. For morphometric analysis, 8 lines of transgenic plants were used. The analysis of root growth under the action of sodium chloride (100 mM), cadmium acetate (100 μM) and hypothermia (12°C) was conducted. Transgenic plants were characterized by improved shoot growth parameters under normal conditions. The roots of transgenic plants grew more slowly under normal conditions and under the action of cadmium and hypothermia than in wild type plants. The product of trolC gene has a negative effect on shoot growth, a positive effect on root growth, and also participates in the regulation and maintenance of root growth under the action of cadmium and hypothermia.

Сортоизучение стрессоустойчивости четырех сортов ярового двурядного ячменя (Hordeumvulgare L.), контрастных по ответу на действие кадмия в условиях вегетационного эксперимента

Сортоизучение стрессоустойчивости четырех сортов ярового двурядного ячменя (Hordeumvulgare L.), контрастных по ответу на действие кадмия в условиях вегетационного эксперимента

Effect of Cadmium Ions on Some Biophysical Parameters and Ultrastructure of Ankistrodesmus sp. В-11 Cells

Effects of low concentrations of cadmium ions on growth, photosynthesis, and cell ultrastructure of microalga Ankistrodesmus sp. B-11 were investigated. The addition of cadmium to growth medium at concentrations of 0.005–0.02 mg/L led to a significant decrease in the number of Ankistrodesmus sp. B-11 cells relatively to that in the untreated culture. The addition of cadmium at concentrations >0.05 mg/L completely stopped cell growth. Cadmium ions induced ultrastructural changes in the arrangement of thylakoids within the stroma, the detachment of thylakoid membranes with the formation of void interthylakoid spaces, and a significant increase in vacuolization of microalgal cells. Simultaneous measurements of fluorescence induction curves and redox transformations of photosystem I components on a microsecond time scale by means of a M‑PEA-2 fluorometer revealed that cadmium ions inhibit electron transport in photosystem II (PSII). The quantum yield of electron transport in PSII (φEo) and the performance index (PIABS) were found to decrease; the photoreduction of P700 pigment was decelerated, while energy dissipation (DI0/RC) and ΔpH-dependent nonphotochemical quenching (qE) increased significantly under the action of cadmium. The performance index (PIABS) was the most sensitive parameter; it can be used for the detection of early toxic effects of cadmium ions on algae.

Beneficial Impact of an Extract from the Berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. on the Oxidative-Reductive Status of the Submandibular Gland of Rats Exposed to Cadmium.

Oxidative stress underlies the pathomechanisms of toxic action of cadmium (Cd), including its damaging impact on the oral cavity. This study investigated whether the administration of an extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AME), characterized by their strong antioxidative potential, may have a beneficial impact on the oxidative-reductive status of the submandibular gland in an experimental model of low-level and moderate human environmental exposure to cadmium. The main markers of the antioxidative status (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidative status (TAS)), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI = TOS/TAS), and lipid peroxides, as well as cadmium concentration, were evaluated in the submandibular gland tissue of female Wistar rats who received a 0.1% aqueous AME and/or a diet containing 0, 1, and 5 mg Cd/kg for 3 and 10 months. The treatment with cadmium decreased the activities of antioxidative enzymes (29%–74%), reduced glutathione concentration (45%–52%), and TAS and increased TOS, resulting in the development of oxidative stress and enhanced concentration of lipid peroxides in the submandibular gland. The administration of AME at both levels of exposure to cadmium offered significant protection against these actions of this xenobiotic. After the 10 month exposure to the 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet, TAS was decreased by 77% and 83%, respectively, TOS, OSI, and lipid peroxides concentration were increased by 50% and 52%, respectively, 11.8-fold and 14.4-fold, respectively, and 2.3-fold and 4.3-fold, respectively, whereas, in the case of the extract co-administration, the values of these parameters did not differ compared to the control group. The results indicate that the consumption of aronia products under exposure to cadmium may have a beneficial impact on the oxidative-reductive status of the submandibular gland and prevent oxidative stress development and enhanced lipid peroxidation in this salivary gland.

The effect of nitrogen monoxide donors on the indexes of cadmium-induced oxidative stress in different rat tissues

Oxidative stress is considered to be the main mechanism of cadmium ions toxic effect on the cells and is caused by cadmium, as a non-transition metal, indirectly. Oxidative damage to cells due to the action of cadmium ions is tissue-specific and is associated with the antioxidant system inhibition, free heme accumulation and essential metals substitution in metalloproteins. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) exhibits high affinity for heme and proteins and peptides sulfhydryl groups, known to be the main molecular targets for cadmium ions. Taking all the above-mentioned into account, the aim of this work was to study the effect of NO radicals donors on the prooxidant-antioxidant state of mammalian tissues under oxidative stress caused by cadmium chloride administration in vivo. Male Wistar rats weighing 160–200 g were used in the study. CdCl2 was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 14 mg/kg body weight. The direct donor of the NO radical sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1 mg/kg mass) and the substrate of the NO synthase reaction L-arginine (600 mg/kg mass) were administered intraperitoneally. In order to study the corrective action, donors of the NO radical were injected 0.5 h before the cadmium salt. The objects of investigation were blood plasma and liver, kidneys and spleen homogenates of rats. The cadmium chloride treatment caused a number of prooxidant-antioxidant balance disorders, most of which were revealed a day after injection. The accumulation of lipid peroxidation products was found in rat serum, liver, and spleen. The enhancement of prooxidant processes in these tissues may originate from cadmium ions and hemolysis products entry. In the antioxidant system, significant changes were observed under cadmium action only in the liver: an increase in the reduced glutathione content and SOD activity and a decrease in catalase activity. The precursor of nitric oxide L-arginine did not change the basal level of prooxidant-antioxidant parameters, and in most cases did not affect their dynamics in the organs studied after cadmium chloride administration. A direct NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, acted in liver and spleen mostly as a prooxidant. In liver, the injection of only nitroprusside, as well as the combined administration of SNP and CdCl2, led to free radical processes activation just in two hours. In spleen, the combined treatment by SNP and cadmium salt also caused an earlier development of oxidative stress, as witnessed by an increase in lipid hydroperoxides level and a decrease in reduced glutathione content. Therefore, the injection of a direct NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, and a substrate of NO synthase, L-arginine, in selected doses has insignificant corrective action on cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys and spleen. However, in blood both donors of NO effectively prevented the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products under CdCl2 treatment; in addition, L-arginine significantly reduced the lactate dehydrogenase release, which may indicate blood cells and blood vessels protection from the damage caused by cadmium ions.