Cd Exposure Research Articles

Toxicological assessment of cadmium exposure through Hyphantria cunea larvae on the predation fitness of Arma chinensis

Heavy metals are defined as an abiotic factor that affects the efficiency of biological pest control. This study constructed a cadmium (Cd)-polluted artificial diets–Hyphantria cunea–Arma chinensis food chain to analyze the effects of Cd exposure on the ability of A. chinensis to control H. cunea. The results revealed that Cd was transferred through the artificial diet to H. cunea larvae and A. chinensis nymphs via a biological amplification effect. After feeding on Cd-accumulated H. cunea larvae, the body weight of A. chinensis nymphs reduced, mortality increased, developmental duration prolonged, and the expression of growth regulatory genes (EX, cycE, and MER) decreased. Cd activated the antioxidant defense system of the nymphs, accompanied by a significant enhancement in the contents of H2O2 and MDA, marked damage to the midgut sub-microstructure, and a remarkable induction in the expression of genes crucial for the mitochondrial pathway/ER stress–apoptosis pathway. Cd significantly diminished the contents of total amino acids, glucose, free fatty acids, and expression of the genes (HK2, PFK, IDH1, and IDH2) essential for the TCA cycle and glycolysis in the nymphs. The preference of the A. chinensis nymphs to Cd-treated H. cunea larvae was evidently reduced. Cd diminished the search-ability, food intake, instantaneous attack rate, and maximum theoretical daily food intake but prolonged the feeding time of the nymphs. Taken together, Cd exposure reduces the ability of A. chinensis nymphs to control H. cunea and provides a new challenge for the efficiency of insect pest control using natural enemies. These findings have important reference value for optimizing pest control strategies in heavy metal polluted areas.

The Impact of Organic Selenium (IV) on Hypericum perforatum L. under Cadmium Stress and Non-Stress Conditions.

The issue of soil contamination by heavy metals is widely acknowledged. Some plants, including medicinal species like St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), exhibit accumulation traits, allowing them to accumulate elevated levels of metals, e.g., cadmium (Cd), within their cells. Selenium (Se) may increase the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress caused by the presence of heavy metal in the environment. Depending on its form (oxidation state, organic/inorganic), Se influences plant growth, secondary metabolite content, and biotic stress, as well as incorporates into shoots, providing economic and health benefits for consumers. So far, there are no data on the influence of organic Se(IV) on plants. Our study aimed to determine the effect of organic Se(IV) on the growth, active compound levels (anthranoids, polyphenols), and ultrastructure of St. John's wort without and under cadmium stress. The phytochemical analysis and microscopic examination was performed on shoots from different days of St. John's wort in vitro culture on a few variants of Murashige and Skoog medium with Cd (25 and 400 µM) and/or organic Se (IV). Exposure to Se(IV) did not affect hypericins but increased the polyphenol content in the shoots and the biomass. Se(IV) caused an increase in starch grain number in chloroplasts, whereas Cd exposure resulted in the degradation of the chloroplast structure, increased cell vacuolation, as well as swollen mitochondrial cristae. The addition of Se(IV) to these combinations reduced the degree of degradation and growth inhibition and a high content of Se(IV) in plants was observed. Se(IV) had no impact on Cd content at environmental Cd concentrations, but showed an effect at extremely high Cd concentrations. Thus, organic Se(IV) has a beneficial effect on St. John's wort growth, polyphenol content, and incorporation in shoots and prevents Cd toxicity. Media enriched with organic Se(IV) have both economic advantages and health benefits due to a higher plant growth rate and increased concentrations of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties, relatively enriched with Se. However, organic Se(IV) should be used with caution in polluted areas. In perspective, speciation analysis and molecular study are crucial to understand the fate and effect of Se (IV) on plants.

Phytoavailability, translocation, and accompanying isotopic fractionation of cadmium in soil and rice plants in paddy fields

Rice consumption is a major pathway for human cadmium (Cd) exposure. Understanding Cd behavior in the soil-rice system, especially under field conditions, is pivotal for controlling Cd accumulation. This study analyzed Cd concentrations and isotope compositions (δ114/110Cd) in rice plants and surface soil sampled at different times, along with urinary Cd of residents from typical Cd-contaminated paddy fields in Youxian, Hunan, China. Soil water-soluble Cd concentrations varied across sampling times, with δ114/110Cdwater lighter under drained than flooded conditions, suggesting supplementation of water-soluble Cd by isotopically lighter Cd pools, increasing Cd phytoavailability. Both water-soluble Cd and atmospheric deposition contributed to rice Cd accumulation. Water-soluble Cd’s contribution increased from 28‐52% under flooded to 58‐87% under drained conditions due to increased soil Cd phytoavailability. Atmospheric deposition’s contribution (12‐72%) increased with potential atmospheric deposition flux among sampling areas. The enrichment of heavy Cd isotopes occurred from root-stem-grain to prevent rice Cd accumulation. The different extent of enrichment of heavy isotopes in urine indicated different Cd exposure sources. These findings provide valuable insights into the speciation and phytoavailability changes of Cd in the soil-rice system and highlight the potential application of Cd isotopic fingerprinting in understanding the environmental fate of Cd.

Evaluation of the Potential Cytoprotective Effect of Melatonin in Comparison with Vitamin E and Trolox against Cd2+-Induced Toxicity in SH-SY5Y, HCT 116, and HepG2 Cell Lines.

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity poses a significant threat to cellular health, leading to oxidative stress and cell damage. Antioxidant agents, particularly those of natural origin, have been studied as a potential alternative for mitigating heavy metal toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of the antioxidant melatonin (MLT) in comparison with Vitamin E (VitE) and Trolox against Cd2+-induced cellular toxicity. The MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability in neuronal SH-SY5Y, colorectal HCT 116, and hepatic HepG2 cell lines. The results showed that all three antioxidants offered some level of protection against Cd toxicity, with Vitamin E proving to be the most effective. MLT also demonstrated a substantial cytoprotective effect, especially at the highest Cd concentration of 30 µM. These findings suggest that MLT, alongside Vit E and Trolox, could be valuable in mitigating the detrimental effects of Cd exposure by reducing the oxidative stress in these cellular models.

Adverse effects of cadmium on lymphoid organs, immune cells, and immunological responses.

Humans and animals possess robust immune systems to safeguard against foreign pathogens. However, recent reports suggest a greater incidence of immunity breakdown due to exposure to environmental pollutants, with heavy metals emerging as potential candidates in such immuno-toxicological studies. While we have extensive data on the general toxicity resulting from exposure to heavy metals, comprehensive documentation of their role as immune disruptors remains scarce. Cd (Cadmium) exerts immunomodulation by interfering with immune organs and cells, leading to altered structure, physiology, and function, thereby inducing symptoms of immune deregulation, inflammation and/or autoimmunity. This review aims to summarize the link between Cd exposure and immune dysfunction, drawing from case studies on exposed human subjects, as well as research conducted on various model organisms and in-vitro culture systems.

Comparing the Effects of Lime Soil and Yellow Soil on Cadmium Accumulation in Rice during Grain-Filling and Maturation Periods.

The karst area has become a high-risk area for Cadmium (Cd) exposure. Interestingly, the high levels of Cd in soils do not result in an excessive bioaccumulation of Cd in rice. Carbonate rock dissolution ions (CRIs) could limit the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice. CRIs can become a major bottleneck in the remediation and management of farmlands in karst areas. However, there is limited research on the effects of CRIs in soils on Cd accumulation in rice. The karst area of lime soil (LS) and the non-karst areas of yellow soil (YS) were collected, and an external Cd was added to conduct rice cultivation experiments. Cd and CRIs (Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32-/HCO3-, and OH-) in the rice-soil system were investigated from the grain-filling to maturity periods. The results showed that CRIs of LS were significantly higher than that of YS in different treatments. CRIs of LS were 2.05 mg·kg-1 for Ca2+, 0.90 mg·kg-1 for Mg2+, and 42.29 mg·kg-1 for CO32- in LS. CRIs could influence DTPA Cd, resulting in DTPA Cd of LS being lower than that of YS. DTPA Cd of YS was one to three times larger than that of YS. Cd content in different parts of rice in YS was higher than that of LS. Cd in rice grains of YS was one to six times larger than that of LS. The uptake of Cd from the soil during Filling III was critical in determining rice Cd accumulation. CRIs in the soil could affect Cd accumulation in rice. Ca2+ and Mg2+ had significant negative effects on Cd accumulation of rice at maturity and filling, respectively. CO32-/HCO3- and OH- had significant negative effects on DTPA Cd in soil.

The Association between Cadmium Exposure and Thyroid Function in Animals: A Systematic Review.

Several studies have indicated an association between cadmium (Cd) exposure and the induction of thyroid dysfunction in animal models. Objective and Aims: There are inconsistent findings on the effect of Cd on the thyroid gland. Therefore, this systematic study was designed to determine the association between changes in thyroid function markers and Cd exposure in animals. The search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and databases, and Google Scholar until May 2023. Studies on the relationship between Cd exposure and fish's thyroid function were conducted on rodents and fish. In total, 171 articles were obtained from the main databases using the search strategy mentioned in this study. Finally, 24 articles were selected according to our inclusion criteria for systematic studies. The findings indicated an increase/decrease or no change in triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in rodents, fish, and animals exposed to Cd. Our findings indicated an association between Cd exposure and thyroid dysfunction in rodents, fish, and other animals. However, the association between urinary and blood Cd levels and thyroid function remains unclear in humans because of controversial findings and a lack of strong mechanistic evidence. We perform large cohort human studies to the answer to this question.

HMGA2-mediated glutamine metabolism is required for Cd-induced cell growth and cell migration

Cadmium (Cd) exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The demand for glutamine is increasing in cancers, including lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of glutamine metabolism in Cd-induced cell growth and migration. Firstly, we found that 2 μM Cd-treatment up-regulated the expression of ASCT2 (alanine, serine, cysteine-preferring transporter 2) and ASNS (asparagine synthetase) while downregulating mitochondrial glutaminase GLS1 in A549 cells. The same results were obtained in male BALB/c mice treated with 0.5 and 1 mg Cd/kg body weight. Subsequently, both glutamine deprivation and transfection with siASCT2 revealed that glutamine played a role in Cd-induced cell growth and migration. Furthermore, using 4-PBA (5 mM), an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Tm (0.1 μg/ml), an inducer of ER stress, siHMGA2, and over-expressing HMGA2 plasmids we demonstrated that ER stress/HMGA2 axis was involved in inducing ASCT2 and ASNS, while inhibiting GLS1. Additionally, the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using an HMGA2 antibody revealed the direct binding of the HMGA2 to the promoter sequences of the ASCT2, ASNS, and GLS1 genes. Finally, dual luciferase reporter assay determined that HMGA2 increased the transcription of ASCT2 and ASNS while inhibiting the transcription of GLS1. Overall, we found that ER stress-induced HMGA2 controls glutamine metabolism by transcriptional regulation of ASCT2, ASNS and GLS1 to accelerate cell growth and migration during exposure to Cd at low concentrations. This study innovatively revealed the mechanism of Cd-induced cell growth which offers a fresh perspective on preventing Cd toxicity through glutamine metabolism.

Microplastic co-exposure elevates cadmium accumulation in mouse tissue after rice consumption: Mechanisms and health implications

Rice cadmium (Cd) and microplastics are prevalent contaminants, posing a co-exposure threat to humans by means of dietary intake. To assess whether co-exposure of microplastics affects the bioavailability of rice Cd, mice were exposed to Cd-contaminated rice with microplastic co-exposure. We found that polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) microplastic co-exposure via diet consumption (2 μg g–1) caused 1.17–1.38-fold higher Cd accumulation in tissue of mice fed by Cd-rice. For mice with co-exposure of PE microplastics, the higher rice-Cd bioavailability corresponded to colonization of Lactobacillus reuteri (38.9 % vs 17.5 %) in the gut compared to control mice, which caused higher production of gut metabolites particularly peptides, likely causing a ‘side effect’ of elevating Cd solubility in the intestinal lumen. In addition, abundance of sphingosine 1-phosphate in the gut of mice was reduced under PE microplastic exposure, which may reduce intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) in enterocytes and form a weaker competition in pumping of intracellular Ca2+ and Cd2+ across the basolateral membrane of enterocytes, leading to higher Cd2+ transport efficiency. The results suggest elevated Cd exposure risk from rice consumption with microplastic co-exposure at environmentally relevant low concentrations.

A comprehensive perspective on potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) bound with particulate matters in ambient air of landfill sites: a systematic review and probabilistic risk assessment.

Air pollution from Potentially Hazardous Elements bound with particulate matter (PHEs bound PM) in landfill air is a significant concern for human health. To date, no comprehensive research has focused on the health risks of PHEs bound to PM in landfill air. This systematic review aimed to examine PHEs, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) bound with PM in landfill air and assess the health risk for workers and waste management personnel. The systematically search was made in different electronic databases. After the screening, 18 most relevant studied focused on PHEs bound PM in landfill air were selected. The data extraction analysis indicated that mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, and Zn in landfill air were 0.3037, 0.0941, 0.4093, 0.0221, 0.2768, and 0.7622μg/m3, respectively. Except for Pb, the concentrations of other PHEs bound to PM exceeded USEPA air quality standards. In addition, Non-carcinogenic risks from Cd, Cr, and Ni exposure exceeded permissible limits (HQ > 1), while As had an HQ value of 0.401. Carcinogenic risks from As, Cd, Ni, and Pb exposure were 1.31 × 10-5, 5.10 × 10-4, 3.51 × 10-5, and 2.03 × 10-6, respectively. Notably, the lifetime carcinogenic risk for workers exposed to Cr in polluted air (6.17 × 10-3) exceeded permissible limits (10-4 to 10-6). In conclusion, given the high carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of some PHEs bound PM in landfills, it is necessary to conduct more research on the health effects of interaction with these PHEs bound PM on communities and the environment in different countries. Also, it is necessary to evaluate the role of different landfill operational activities on atmospheric dispersion of PHEs bound PM) in landfill air.

Interactive effects of temperature, cadmium, and hypoxia on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Fish in their natural environments possess elaborate mechanisms that regulate physiological function to mitigate the adverse effects of multiple environmental stressors such as temperature, metals, and hypoxia. We investigated how warm acclimation affects mitochondrial responses to Cd, hypoxia, and acute temperature shifts (heat shock and cold snap) in rainbow trout. We observed that state 3 respiration driven by complex I (CI) was resistant to the stressors while warm acclimation and Cd reduced complex I +II (CI + II) driven state 3 respiration. In contrast, state 4 (leak) respirations for both CI and CI + II were consistently stimulated by warm acclimation resulting in reduced mitochondrial coupling efficiency (respiratory control ratio, RCR). Warm acclimation and Cd exacerbated their individual effect on leak respiration to further reduce the RCR. Moreover, the effect of warm acclimation on mitochondrial bioenergetics aligned with its inhibitory effect on activities of citrate synthase and both CI and CII. Unlike the Cd and warm acclimation combined exposure, hypoxia alone and in combination with warm acclimation and/or Cd abolished the stimulation of CI and CI + II powered leak respirations resulting in partial recovery of RCR. The response to acute temperature shifts indicated that while state 3 respiration returned to pre-acclimation level, the leak respiration did not. Overall, our findings suggest a complex in vivo interaction of multiple stressors on mitochondrial function that are not adequately predicted by their individual effects.

Machine learning-based prediction of cadmium pollution in topsoil and identification of critical driving factors in a mining area.

Mining activities have resulted in a substantial accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils, particularly in southern China. Long-term Cd exposure can cause plant growth inhibition and various diseases. Rapid identification of the extent of soil Cd pollution and its driving factors are essential for soil management and risk assessment. However, traditional geostatistical methods are difficult to simulate the complex nonlinear relationships between soil Cd and potential features. In this study, sequential extraction and hotspot analyses indicated that Cd accumulation increased significantly near mining sites and exhibited high mobility. The concentration of Cd was estimated using three machine learning models based on 3169 topsoil samples, seven quantitative variables (soil pH, Fe, Ca, Mn, TOC, Al/Si and ba value) and three quantitative variables (soil parent rock, terrain and soil type). The random forest model achieved marginally better performance than the other models, with an R2 of 0.78. Importance analysis revealed that soil pH and Ca and Mn contents were the most significant factors affecting Cd accumulation and migration. Conversely, due to the essence of controlling Cd migration being soil property, soil type, terrain, and soil parent materials had little impact on the spatial distribution of soil Cd under the influence of mining activities. Our results provide a better understanding of the geochemical behavior of soil Cd in mining areas, which could be helpful for environmental management departments in controlling the diffusion of Cd pollution and capturing key targets for soil remediation.

Metabolic profiling of Citrus maxima L. seedlings in response to cadmium stress using UPLC-QTOF-MS

Cadmium (Cd) pollution significantly reduces agricultural crop yields. In our research, metabolomic changes in Citrus maxima L. subjected to Cd stress were investigated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) in tandem with multivariate analytical techniques. This integrative method, coupled with physiological evaluations, aimed to elucidate the core adaptive mechanisms to Cd stress. We found that under Cd stress, C. maxima seedlings exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) demonstrated distinct a separation of the metabolome among the different treatment groups under Cd stress, indicating dynamic metabolic changes. Metabolic analysis suggested that genes involved are initially induced by Cd treatment, followed by the activation of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. This investigation provides new insights into the complex metabolic responses of C. maxima seedlings to Cd exposure.

Comprehensive multi-omics investigation of sub-chronic toxicity induced by Cadmium and Triazophos Co-exposure in hook snout carps (Opsariichthys bidens)

The coexistence of heavy metals and pesticides poses a critical challenge in agricultural ecosystems. Traditional toxicity assessments often focus only on the individual impacts of either pesticides or heavy metals. Here, the untargeted metabolomics and 16 S rRNA sequencing were used to assess the individual and combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and triazophos (TRI) on hook snout carps (Opsariichthys bidens). Cd caused much more serious impacts on hepatic metabolism and gut microbiota than those in TRI. Combined Cd and TRI exposure synergistically affected hepatic metabolism, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and even oxidative damage. Simultaneously, 16 S rRNA sequencing highlighted significant variations in the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. A noteworthy connection emerged between these distinct microbiota profiles and disruptions in energy metabolism, ultimately leading to disorders in metabolites. These findings enhanced the understanding of risks posed by heavy metals and pesticides, providing insights for better environmental risk assessments of aquatic organisms.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in leafy vegetables: implications for public health and regulatory measures.

Heavy metal contamination in leafy vegetables poses significant health risks, highlighting the urgent need for stringent monitoring and intervention measures to ensure food safety and mitigate potential adverse effects on public health. This study investigates the levels of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), in locally grown and commercially available leafy vegetables, comparing them to the safety limits established by WHO/FAO. The results revealed that levels of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in the vegetables exceeded WHO/FAO limits, while Zn and Cu remained within permissible bounds. Marketed vegetables exhibited higher metal concentrations than those from nearby farms. For Cu (0.114-0.289 mg/kg) and Zn (0.005-0.574 mg/kg), the daily intake of metals (DIM) was below the dietary intake (DI) and upper limit (UL). Cd's DIM (0.031-0.062 mg/kg) remained below the UL but exceeded the DI. Marketed kale and mint surpassed both DI and UL limits for Ni, while local produce only exceeded the DI. All vegetables had DIM below the DI, except for mint and kale. For Pb, every vegetable exceeded DI limits, with market samples contributing significantly. Cr's DIM ranged from 0.028 to 1.335 mg/kg, for which no set maximum daily intake exists. The health risk index (HRI) values for Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb suggested potential health risks associated with leafy greens, while Cr's HRI was below 1. The study underscores the need for stringent monitoring and intervention measures to mitigate the health risks posed by heavy metal contamination in leafy vegetables. These findings suggest that consuming these leafy greens may put consumers at considerable risk for health problems related to Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn exposure.

Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles as an Effective Tool to Combat Soil Metal Stresses in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Nanotechnology has demonstrated significant potential to improve agricultural production and increase crop tolerance to abiotic stress including exposure to heavy metals. The present study investigated the mechanisms by which aloe vera extract gel-biosynthesized (AVGE) selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) alleviated cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.). AVGE Se NPs, chemically synthesized bare Se NPs, and NaSeO3 as an ionic control were applied to Cd-stressed rice seedlings via root exposure in both hydroponic and soil systems. Upon exposure to AVGE Se NPs at 15 mg Se/L, the fresh root biomass was significantly increased by 100.7% and 19.5% as compared to Cd control and conventional bare Se NPs. Transcriptional analyses highlighted that AVGE Se NPs activated stress signaling and defense related pathways, including glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. Specifically, exposure to AVGE Se NPs upregulated the expression of genes associated with the gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis by and 4.79- and 3.29-fold as compared to the Cd-alone treatment and the untreated control, respectively. Importantly, AVGE Se NPs restored the composition of the endophyte community and recruit of beneficial species under Cd exposure; the relative abundance of Azospirillum was significantly increased in roots, shoots, and the rhizosphere soil by 0.73-, 4.58- and 0.37-fold, respectively, relative to the Cd-alone treatment. Collectively, these findings highlight the significant potential of AVGE Se NPs to enhance plant growth and to minimize the Cd-induced toxicity in rice and provide a promising nanoenabled strategy to enhance food safety upon crop cultivation in contaminated agricultural soils.

Cadmium exposure induces changes in gut microbial composition and metabolic function in long-tailed dwarf hamsters, Cricetulus longicaudatus.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to cadmium disrupts the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, resulting in damage to organ tissue. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the broader ecological reality associated with this phenomenon. In this study, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the effects of different concentrations of Cd (6, 12, 24, and 48 mg/L) over a period of 35 consecutive days on the organ viscera and the gut microbiota of long-tailed dwarf hamsters, Cricetulus longicaudatus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), using histopathological analysis, 16S rDNA, and metagenome sequencing. Our findings revealed that the results suggest that Cd exposure induced liver, spleen, and kidney damage, potentially leading to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation. These alterations were accompanied by significant perturbations in the gut microbiota composition, particularly affecting potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Prevotella and Treponema within the gut ecosystem. Consequently, host susceptibility to underlying diseases was heightened due to these changes. Notably though, Cd exposure did not significantly impact the overall structure of the gut microbiota itself. Additionally, Cd exposure induced significant changes in the metabolic functions, with the pathways related to disease and environmental information processing notably enhanced, possibly indicating stronger innate defense mechanisms against external injuries among wild mammals exposed to Cd. This study offers a novel approach to comprehensively evaluate the significant impact of Cd pollution on ecosystems by investigating both structural and functional alterations in the digestive system, as well as disruptions in intestinal flora among wild mammals.

Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Cadmium in Roadside Roasted Corn from Selected Areas of Bwari Local Government Area, FCT, Nigeria

This research examined the presence of lead and cadmium in roasted corn sold by roadside vendors. Five locations (Market Square, Ade Femi Street, Abiola Road, SCC Road, and Primary School) were selected for the research according to the availability of vendors and vehicular activities. Roasted corns were oven-dried at 80°and digested according to standard methods. The concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were determined with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The data generated was analyzed with the R statistical program version 4.3.0. Lead and cadmium concentrations in the roasted corn varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the study locations. The Pb content of the roasted corn varied from 0.08±0.00 mg Kg-1 – to 0.29±0.00 mg kg-1. While Cd was found to be within the range of 0.006±0.00 mg kg-1 – 0.09±0.00 mg kg-1. Lead levels in roasted corn at Market Square were above WHO limits of 0.2 mg kg-1. However, The Cd levels were within the acceptable limit of 0.1 mg kg-1. The strong positive correlation observed between Pb-Cd pairs in the roasted corn was a strong indication of similarity in the origin of the contamination. The potential risk associated with Pb and Cd exposure in roasted corn was determined by the Average Daily Intake of metals (ADI, Health Risk Index (HRI), and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). The risk assessment indices revealed that HRI was < 1, indicating a non-potential health risk for adults and children. Also, the estimated ILCR for Pb and Cd was within the acceptable limit of 1 x 10-4 – 1x 10-6. This study shows that consumers of roasted corn sold at Market Square may be at risk of lead toxicity with continuous exposure.

Impact of Cadmium Contaminated Growing Medium on the Growth and Physiological Responses of Tomato Seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Globally, urban areas are facing a rising issue of industrial pollution particularly due to heavy metals like Cadmium (Cd), which pose a threat to both plants and humans. However, plants response to Cd exposure varies based on factors like species, genetics, and growing conditions such as the type of soil and cultivation methods. This study focused on young tomato seedlings subjected to different Cd concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) through a pot experiment, aiming to understand the impact of Cd on various morpho-physiological traits of the "MAYAR F1" tomato cultivar. The results exhibited amazing findings that the chlorophyll contents (21.93 nmol/mg), relative water contents (0.84%), electrolyte leakage (135.5 uS/cm) and leaf area (6.37 cm2) were highest at 300 ppm followed by control. While the maximum number of leaves (11) were noticed in control. Consequently, the study suggests that cultivating tomatoes in urban agriculture soils contaminated with Cd could be a viable option. Nonetheless, it emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and conducting further research to fully comprehend the potential long-term implications and associated risks of Cd exposure in urban agriculture. Keywords: Heavy metal, cadmium; morphological traits, plant physiology, chlorophyll contents, electrolyte leakage.

A Tripeptide (Ser-Arg-Pro, SRP) from Sipunculus nudus L. Improves Cadmium-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Targeting the MAPK, Inflammatory, and Apoptosis Pathways in Mice.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that causes nephrosis, including acute kidney injury. To prevent and treat acute kidney injury (AKI) following Cd exposure, a tripeptide, Ser-Arg-Pro (SRP), from Sipunculus nudus L. was employed, and its potential efficacy in AKI was assessed. Oral administration of SRP significantly alleviated Cd-induced kidney damage, leading to improved renal function and the attenuation of structural abnormalities. A network pharmacology analysis revealed the potential of SRP in renal protection by targeting various pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, inflammatory response, and apoptosis pathways. Mechanistic studies indicated that SRP achieves renal protection by inhibiting the activation of MAPK pathways (phosphorylation of p38, p56, ERK, and JNK) in the oxidative stress cascade, suppressing inflammatory responses (iNOS, Arg1, Cox2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and restoring altered apoptosis factors (caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2). Hence, SRP has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.