Cd In Kidney Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Offal Meats (Kidney and Liver) of Beef Sold at Gwagwalada Market, Abuja, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in kidney and liver of slaughtered cattle.
 Study Design: Analytical method.
 Place and Duration of Study: Samples obtained from Gwagwalada abattoir in Abuja, Nigeria and transported University of Abuja, Chemistry Laboratory for analysis. The study lasted for four (4) months.
 Methodology: Wet digestion of samples followed by metal analysis using Accusys 211 Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
 Results: The empirical results indicated that the mean levels or concentration of these heavy metals in kidney of cattle were 47.75±0.002 mg/g Zn, 279.5±0.084 mg/g Fe, 10.00±0.00mg/g Mn, while Cd and Pb were not detected. The levels or concentration of heavy metals in the liver sample were 0.500=±0.000025 mg/g Cd, 57.00±0.0001 mg/g Zn, 119.5±0.0016 mg/g Fe, 5.75±0.000025 mg/g Mn, Pb was not detected. The concentration of Fe and Mn were found to be high in kidney sample than the liver sample.
 Conclusion: The evidence from this study revealed the safety of these investigated offal meats as the concentration of these metals in the kidney and liver sample were within the maximum permissible limit according to the European Commission (EC) and FAO/WHO standards.

A study on the concentration of heavy metals and histopathological changes in Persian jirds (Mammals; Rodentia), affected by mining activities in an iron ore mine in Iran.

Mining activity constitutes a potential source of heavy metal pollution in the environment. Long-term exposure to heavy metals (e.g., cadmium) has adverse health effects. Rodents frequently serve as bioindicators to monitor the levels of heavy metals in the environment. In the present study, concentrations of 10 heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in kidney, liver, and muscle tissue of the Persian jird (Meriones persicus) were evaluated. This is the first study to examine the histopathological changes in Persian jird tissues caused by the bioaccumulation heavy metals. The samples were taken at location that surrounded by Sangan Iron Ore Mine (SIOM) mining activities, in northeastern Iran. The results show that the highest concentrations for the metals were observed in kidney and liver, whereas lowest concentrations were found in muscle of Persian jirds. The concentration of Pb was below the limit of detection. Sex and age were two factors that could explain the different levels of heavy metal bioaccumulation, which affects the concentration of some metals. Adults had significantly higher Cu and Cd levels compared to juveniles. Males bioaccumulated more Zn in their kidneys than females, whereas females bioaccumulated more Fe in their livers. As expected, heavy metals affected various organs of the studied specimens. Hyperemia, hemorrhage, necrosis, and degenerative damage to the epithelial cells of the tubules, the presence of hyaline casts, and in one case, mononuclear leukocyte infiltration, were observed in samples of renal tissue. Hemorrhage and hepatocyte vacuolization were the most common histopathological changes found in samples of hepatic tissue. These effects and the concentrations of heavy metals in the studied specimens indicate the need for monitoring and frequent sampling to evaluate long-term persistent pollutants.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT KADMIUM (Cd) PADA IKAN BANDENG (Channos channos) DI PERTAMBAKAN KECAMATAN PANGKAJENE

This research is done to know the values of precious metal cadmium (Cd) contained in milk fish (Channos channos) at Pangkajene subdistrict earthen dam. The sample analize in done by SSA. The result is gotten to show the values of precious metal cadmium (Cd) in kidney as much as 0,1070 ppm, heart 0,1002 ppm, intestines 0,0665 ppm and muscle 0,0361 ppm. The values of precious metal cadmium that get from all the sample of milk fish (Channos channos) at Pangkajene subdistrict earthen dam according WHO that still below of standardization cadmium concentration at fish namply 0,2 ppm.

Exposure to cadmium and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induce biochemical changes in rat liver, spleen, lung and kidney as determined by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy is a label-free, non-destructive analytical technique for biochemical analysis of macromolecular components within tissue samples. Cadmium (Cd) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), a primary metabolite of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, are present ubiquitously in the environment and in organisms, and have adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health. Herein we employed ATR-FTIR analysis to identify biomolecular changes in rat liver, spleen, lung and kidney after prepubertal exposure to Cd and MEHP. Our results showed clear segregations between the 3mg/kg Cd-, 10mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 250mg/kg MEHP- and binary mixture-treated groups vs. the solvent control group. Following principal components analysis coupled with linear discriminant analysis, biochemical alterations associated with different doses of Cd and MEHP were attributed mainly to lipids, proteins, phosphates and carbohydrates. In addition, the ratios of lipid/protein, C=O stretching/CH2 methylene (lipid oxidation level), amide I/amide II, α-helix/β-sheet and CH3 methyl/CH2 methylene (acetylation level) in target organs were affected by these toxicants. There seems to be no dose-response effect of Cd and MEHP on target organs. We observed hardly any joint toxic action of these toxicants. This is the first study showing the application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to the assessment of toxicity of Cd and MEHP. Possibly, destruction of cell membrane structure and integrity could be the common mechanism of Cd and MEHP toxicity in liver, spleen, lung and kidney.

Temporal variations in kidney metal concentrations and their implications for retinoid metabolism and oxidative stress response in wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

The objective of this study was to determine if temporal variations in tissue metal concentrations are related to biomarkers of retinoid metabolism and oxidative stress responses in juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens). To this end, kidney metal (Cd, Cu and Zn) concentrations were measured in fish sampled in spring and fall 2012 in four lakes representing a wide range of water and sediment metal contamination in the Rouyn-Noranda (Quebec) region. Lakes Opasatica and Hélène were considered as reference lakes while lakes Dufault and Marlon were metal-contaminated. Kidney concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn varied widely between spring and fall in fish from both clean and metal-contaminated lakes. An inter-lake difference in renal metal concentrations was only observed for Cd, with fish from Lake Marlon consistently displaying higher concentrations. In the spring, the concentrations of liver dehydroretinol, dehydroretinyl palmitate and total vitamin A esters were higher in fish sampled in the most contaminated lake. Strong temporal variations in the concentrations of these metabolites, as well as in the percentage of liver free dehydroretinol and the epidermal retinol dehydrogenase 2 transcription levels, were observed in fish living in the most metal-impacted lake, with generally higher values in the spring. In contrast to liver, in muscle, no clear seasonal variations in the concentrations of dehydroretinol, dehydroretinyl stearate or in the percentage of free dehydroretinol were observed in fish captured in the most contaminated lake. Temporal variations of traditional biomarkers of oxidative stress response were also observed in the most metal-impacted lake. For example, the transcription level of the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 in liver and muscle catalase activity of perch sampled in the most contaminated lake were higher in spring than in fall. Positive relationships were found between kidney Cd concentrations and the transcription level of the gene encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and all forms of retinoid concentrations in liver in spring, except with the percentage of free dehydroretinol where the correlation was negative. Our results translate to a state of stress caused by Cd and illustrate that temporal variations in tissue metal concentrations affect retinoid metabolism and antioxidant capacities in juvenile wild yellow perch. Overall this study contributes to highlight the importance of considering temporal variations when investigating the consequences of metal contamination on the physiology of wild fish.

Urinary Cadmium Threshold to Prevent Kidney Disease Development.

The frequently observed association between kidney toxicity and long-term cadmium (Cd) exposure has long been dismissed and deemed not to be of clinical relevance. However, Cd exposure has now been associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the link that may exist between kidney Cd toxicity markers and clinical kidney function measure such as estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). We analyzed data from 193 men to 202 women, aged 16−87 years [mean age 48.8 years], who lived in a low- and high-Cd exposure areas in Thailand. The mean (range) urinary Cd level was 5.93 (0.05–57) μg/g creatinine. The mean (range) for estimated GFR was 86.9 (19.6−137.8) mL/min/1.73 m2. Kidney pathology reflected by urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) levels ≥ 300 μg/g creatinine showed an association with 5.32-fold increase in prevalence odds of CKD (p = 0.001), while urinary Cd levels showed an association with a 2.98-fold greater odds of CKD prevalence (p = 0.037). In non-smoking women, Cd in the highest urinary Cd quartile was associated with 18.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFR value, compared to the lowest quartile (p < 0.001). Evidence for Cd-induced kidney pathology could thus be linked to GFR reduction, and CKD development in Cd-exposed people. These findings may help prioritize efforts to reassess Cd exposure and its impact on population health, given the rising prevalence of CKD globally.

Tissue distribution and oral exposure risk assessment of heavy metals in an urban bird: magpie from Central Iran.

Direct ingestion of soil and/or soil attached to the food items is a potential rout for wildlife exposure to contaminants. In this study, bioaccumulation of five heavy metals (HMs) in internal tissues of an urban bird (Pica pica) collected from Aran-O-Bidgol City, Central Iran and their related soil were investigated. A total of 15 magpie specimens were collected in autumn 2013 and then their internal tissues were digested using a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2, and finally, concentrations of HMs were detected by ICP-OES. In addition, in order to show level of HM exposure risk to magpie, an exposure risk assessment was modeled. Results indicated that HMs were accumulated as follows: liver > kidney > muscle. Zn and Cu were significantly higher in magpie's tissues collected from agricultural site; on the other hand, Pb and Cd were significantly higher in industrial site (p < 0.05). Level of Cd in male's livers (2.11μg/g dw) was significantly higher than in females (1.85μg/g dw) (p < 0.05). Levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in liver, muscle, and kidney, respectively, were significantly higher in adults than in subadults (p < 0.05). Soil exposure doses of all HMs were lower than tolerable daily intake (Zn 4.35, Cu 1.34, Ni 5.65, Pb 0.35, and Cd 0.53). The calculated hazard quotations (HQs) for HMs were as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd and for all HMs were at no risk level (HQ < 1). The amounts of hazard index for three sites were as follows: urban (1.032) > agriculture (0.943) ≥ industry (0.941) and only for urban area was at low risk (1 < HQ < 2). It seemed that birds living in a safe environment and/or HM contaminations in soil separately had no negative effects on magpies. We can also suggest that low levels of HMs in magpie's tissues can be due to low levels of HMs in soil.

Transcriptomic analysis on responses of the liver and kidney of finishing pigs fed cadmium contaminated rice.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common harmful substance that has many deleterious effects on the liver and kidney. Most reports about Cd toxic studies focused on its inorganic status, whereas the toxicity of Cd in organic materials is less studied. Here, we performed RNA-seq to explore the influences of Cd contaminated rice on function of the liver and kidney of finishing pigs. The concentration of Cd in liver and kidney of pigs fed Cd contaminated rice increased by 4.00 and 2.94 times, respectively, compared to those in the control group. With transcriptomic analysis, approximately 4-6 × 107 clean reads were acquired. Five differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the liver, and 12 DEGs in the kidney. SPHK2 was commonly down-regulated. No significantly enriched gene ontology (GO) terms were identified. By Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichments, four pathways were identified in hepatic tissue, and five pathways in nephritic tissue. Intriguingly, two pathways (sphingolipid metabolism and VEGF signalling pathway) were altered both in the liver and kidney. Cd contaminated rice may cause liver and kidney damage and inflammation, or even lead to more severe harm to these tissues. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flavocoxid, a Natural Antioxidant, Protects Mouse Kidney from Cadmium-Induced Toxicity.

Background Cadmium (Cd), a diffused environmental pollutant, has adverse effects on urinary apparatus. The role of flavocoxid, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant activity, on the morphological and biochemical changes induced in vivo by Cd in mice kidney was evaluated. Methods C57 BL/6J mice received 0.9% NaCl alone, flavocoxid (20 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, Cd chloride (CdCl2) (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, or CdCl2 plus flavocoxid (2 mg/kg/day i.p. plus 20 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 14 days. The kidneys were processed for biochemical, structural, ultrastructural, and morphometric evaluation. Results Cd treatment alone significantly increased urea nitrogen and creatinine, iNOS, MMP-9, and pERK 1/2 expression and protein carbonyl; reduced GSH, GR, and GPx; and induced structural and ultrastructural changes in the glomeruli and in the tubular epithelium. After 14 days of treatment, flavocoxid administration reduced urea nitrogen and creatinine, iNOS, MMP-9, and pERK 1/2 expression and protein carbonyl; increased GSH, GR, and GPx; and showed an evident preservation of the glomerular and tubular structure and ultrastructure. Conclusions A protective role of flavocoxid against Cd-induced oxidative damages in mouse kidney was demonstrated for the first time. Flavocoxid may have a promising antioxidant role against environmental Cd harmful effects on glomerular and tubular lesions.

Cadmium-induced hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity: The amelioration by spirulina platensis

Background: spirulina platensis (SP) is known as a valuable additional food and therapeutic agent. Objective: We investigate the protective effect of SP on cadmium (Cd)-induced hematological, renal and hepatic toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into four groups. Group 1: received saline orally. Group 2: treated with SP orally for 28 days. Groups 3: treated with CdCl2for 28 days. Group 4: treated with CdCl2and SP for 28 days. Renal and hepatic damages were evaluated by investigating the renal and hepatic functions, oxidative markers, and histopathological changes. Results: There was a statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Cd concentration in the liver and kidneys of G3 and a significant decrease with the administration of SP in G4. In rat hepatic and renal tissues, superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly reduced while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased and significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in Group 3 when compared to G1 and G2 (P ≤ 0.05), with improvements of these parameters in G4 when compared to G3. A significant increase was observed in plasma MDA level in Group 3 compared to control group and SP-treated group, and it was significantly decreased in G4 compared to G3. Conclusion: It can be concise that accumulation of Cd in liver and kidneys of rats is associated with remarkable alterations enzymatic activities of the antioxidant system. Our data suggested that lipid peroxidation was associated with Cd toxicity in both liver and kidney tissues. The oxidative damage in kidney and liver of rats induced by Cd is protected by SP.

Ecological risk assessment of a contaminated stream using multi-level integrated biomarker response in Carassius auratus.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of wastewater effluents on freshwater crucian carp, Carassius auratus, inhabiting Sincheon stream using the integrated biomarker response (IBR) at the genotoxic (micronucleus [MN] test), oxidative stress (activity of catalase [CAT] and glutathione S-transferase [GST], and level of lipid peroxidation [LPO]), histopathological (degree of tissue changes [DTC]), and physiological (condition factor [CF] and liver somatic index [LSI]) levels. The CF and LSI were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced in fish from downstream sites (DS1 and DS2) as compared to that of upstream (US) fish samples. Moreover, a significant increase in morphometric indices (DTC) was observed in C.auratus collected from downstream sites (p<0.05) and histopathological responses showed the degree of pathogenicity in the order of liver>kidney>gills. The activities of CAT, GST, and LPO in fish from the DS1 and DS2 sites were notably increased in gills, liver, and kidney compared to that of fish from the US site. Additionally, the MN test level in C.auratus from the DS1 and DS2 were significantly increased (p<0.05) when compared with that of the US site. Considering the higher bioaccumulation of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb in gills, liver, and kidney of C.auratus collected from downstream sites compared to that of the upstream site (p<0.05), the observed toxicity was likely attributable to metal accumulation. The multi-level IBR index was higher at the DS1 site (15.08) than at the DS2 (1.02) and the reference US (0.00) sites. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that wastewater effluent discharge induces significant DNA damage, oxidative stress, and tissue injuries in C.auratus and suggested that the multi-level IBR approach should be used to quantify these effects on fish in streams and rivers.

Assessment of heavy metals in body muscles/organs of locally reared poultry in cocoa and non-cocoa producing areas of Cross River State, Nigeria

There is a growing concern about the impact of increased used of Agro-pesticide on public health and safety issues especially in farming community who pursue high agricultural productivity. Pesticide pollution is a subject of global concern and the extent of its poisoning is considered to be grossly under estimated. This study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, As and Ni) in muscle, liver, kidney and lungs of matured locally reared chickens. Sampling was carried out in two cocoa producing areas (Ikom and Etung) and non-cocoa producing area (Odukpani) in Cross River State, Nigeria, over a period of one year (November, 2013 to October, 2014). Determination of heavy metals was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS). &nbsp;Highest levels of cadmium (0.11&plusmn;0.02 &micro;g/g) and lead (0.26&plusmn;0.11 &micro;g/g) were recorded in liver simples from Etung and Ikom. The highest levels of chromium concentration (2.95&plusmn;0.05 &micro;g/g) was observed in kidney of chickens from Etung, while nickel (1.16&shy;&plusmn;0.0404 &micro;g/g) was highest in lung samples from Etung and Odukpani recorded the highest nickel concentration values (1.16&plusmn;0.04 &micro;g/g). The results show that higher levels of heavy metals can accumulate in the body tissues/organs of chickens in cocoa producing area. These are no exception since Etung is a cocoa producing area and the metals were found highest in kidney and lungs of chicken from this area. Generally, livers and kidneys were found to have the highly significant (P&lt;0.5) levels of the metals than the muscles and lungs the lowest. However, the concentrations of all the metals studied were within the tolerance limits with exception of chromium and nickel which were respectively higher than their 0.10 &micro;g/g and 0.5 &micro;g/g tolerance limit. The results obtained in this study will be useful in formulating guidelines and standards for heavy metals in chicken products in cocoa-producing and non-cocoa producing areas of Nigeria.

Can red deer antlers be used as an indicator of environmental and edible tissues\u2019 trace element contamination?

Venison is an attractive product for consumers concerned with healthy lifestyle; however, it can contain high levels of toxic elements, and therefore, it is a possible source of hazardous contaminants in human diet. Antlers are suitable bioindicators of environmental metal contamination, and herein, we assessed the ability of trace element levels in antlers to indicate levels in edible soft tissues. We determined the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in the liver, kidney, muscle, and antlers of 14 free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from northeastern Poland using atomic absorption spectrometry. We found the highest concentrations of Pb (0.321 ± 0.165 mg/kg), As (0.045 ± 0.074 mg/kg), Zn (105.31 ± 16.33 mg/kg), and Fe (220.92 ± 117.18 mg/kg) in antlers; of Cd (4.974 ± 1.90 mg/kg) and Hg (0.048 ± 0.102 mg/kg) in kidney; and of Cu (7.29 ± 7.02 mg/kg) in the liver. A positive relationship between concentrations in antlers and muscle was found only for Cu (p = 0.001), and it therefore appears that red deer antlers cannot be used as an index for element concentrations in soft tissues. While our results confirm that the Mazury region is little polluted, consumption of red deer offal from this area should be limited according to extant legal limits set for livestock consumption.

Flavocoxid mitigates cadmium-induced toxicity: structural, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis in mice kidney

Background: Cadmium (Cd), a diffused environmental pollutant, has adverse effects on urinary apparatus [1]. The role of flavocoxid, a flavonoid with antioxidant activity [2], on the morphological and biochemical changes induced in vivo by Cd in mice kidneys was evaluated. Methods: C57 BL/6J mice received 0.9% NaCl alone, flavocoxid (20 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, Cd chloride (CdCl2) (2 mg/kg i.p.) alone, or CdCl2 plus Flavocoxid (2 mg/kg i.p. plus 20 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 14 days. At the end of experiment, the mice were killed with an overdose of ketamine and xylazine and the kidneys were collected and processed for structural, immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis. Results: Cd treatment alone significantly increased iNOS, TNF-α and MMP-9 expression, induced structural damages in the glomeruli and in the proximal tubule epithelium, and reduced claudin-11, occludin and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. Flavocoxid administration reduced iNOS, TNF-α and MMP-9 expression, ameliorated glomerular and tubular changes and enhanced claudin-11, occludin and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time that flavocoxid has a protective role against Cd-induced damages in mice kidney. Therefore, flavocoxid may have a promising role against environmental Cd, in particular against its harmful effects on glomerular and tubular lesions.

Kidney Cadmium Toxicity, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: The Perfect Storm.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant of widespread exposure and pervasive toxicity. Absorption, systemic transport and uptake of Cd are mediated by metal transporters that the body uses for acquisition of physiologically-essential elements, notably of iron, zinc and calcium. Currently, human exposure to Cd is known to damage the kidneys, especially the proximal tubular cells that actively reabsorb Cd along with zinc, glucose and amino acids in the glomerular filtrate. Severe kidney damage, glycosuria and proteinuria are known outcomes after high dietary Cd intake (> 200 µg/day). Dietary Cd intake of 10-30 µg/day has been linked with reduced tubular reabsorption, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, coronary arterial and peripheral arterial diseases, macular degeneration, obesity-independent diabetes, and cancer. The links between diabetes, hypertension and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) are indisputable. ESKD requires dialysis or kidney transplant, an immense health care cost. This review adds to these connections by presenting the synergism of kidney Cd toxicity on blood pressure control and glucose homeostasis. Blood pressure control is mediated at least in part by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes such as CYP4A11 and CYP4F2 that produce 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), involved in salt balance in the kidney, and all are known to be altered during Cd exposure. The potential effects of Cd exposure on glucose reabsorption, inflammation, oxidative stress, and heme oxygenase activity are highlighted. The information presented offers strategies for mitigation of toxic effects of Cd through minimization of the food-chain transfer of Cd, and modulation of mechanistic pathways altered by Cd exposure.

Trace Element Contamination in Tissues of Four Bird Species from the Rift Valley Region, Ethiopia.

Concentrations of ten trace elements (Hg, As, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se and Zn) were determined in different tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, heart and brain) of African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) and great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) inhabiting the Ethiopian Rift Valley region. There were differences in trace element patterns among the bird species. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of Cd (5.53µg/g dw ± 2.94) in kidney and Hg (0.75µg/g ww ± 0.30) in liver were observed in the great white pelican compared to the other species, and liver concentrations of these two elements showed positive correlations with trophic level. Concentrations of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) in liver were below their respective toxicological thresholds, indicating that the data may provide baseline information for future studies.

The Protective Effects of Probiotic Bacteria on Cadmium Toxicity in Rats.

One of the useful properties of probiotic bacteria is their capacity to bind different targets, thus eliminating them through feces. It is supposed that one of these targets could be cadmium, a widespread environmental toxicant that causes various disturbances in biological systems. This study examined the protective effects of probiotic supplementation against cadmium-induced toxicity in the rat. The experiment was conducted in the course of 5 weeks. Animals were divided into four groups: (1) controls, (2) probiotics treated, (3) cadmium treated, and (4) probiotics + cadmium treated. The cadmium concentration was measured in the blood, liver, kidney, and feces, as well as the blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as biomarkers of the liver function. Histomorphological changes in the liver and kidney were also determined. Our results revealed that probiotics combined with cadmium increase this metal concentration in feces. As a result, blood, liver, and kidney Cd levels, as well as blood ALT and AST activities were lessened compared to the rat group treated with cadmium only. Besides, probiotics consumed simultaneously with cadmium attenuated histomorphological changes in the liver and kidney caused by cadmium. The rise in lactobacilli number in feces of rats treated simultaneously with cadmium and probiotics results in strong correlation with the increase of Cd concentration in their feces and the decrease of Cd concentration in their blood. We speculate that probiotics actively contribute to cadmium excretion through feces, probably, by its binding to their bacterial cell wall.

Evaluation of some factors influencing on variability in bioaccumulation of heavy metals in rodents species: Rombomys opimus and Rattus norvegicus from central Iran

In the present study, the effects of sex, age, nutritional status, and habitat use on hair and internal tissue concentrations of some trace metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd) in brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) from Aran-O-Bidgol City in Central Iran were investigated. Five sampling stations in different land-uses were selected for the study. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in liver and whole body concentration as well as concentration of Zn in hair of male rats were significantly higher than females. A significantly higher concentration was only observed for Pb in kidney of male gerbils than females. In numerous cases, age had significantly negative correlations with concentration of metals in different tissues of both species, and was only significantly (and positively) correlated with the concentration of Cd in kidney and Zn in liver of gerbils. This finding may indicate that the early neonatal age is a critical period for metals accumulation. The relationships between nutritional status and metal concentrations for both species were negative, which can be ascribed to the weight-specific metabolic rate that cause to a relatively low uptake of metals per unit of body weight. No significant differences were observed for soil metals concentrations in different sites. So, this suggests that the influence of life history, microhabitat use and foraging behavior did significantly influence on inter and intra specific variation of metals concentration in small mammals. Our observations suggest that hair cannot be used alone for monitoring exposure of metals.

Cadmium and lead in female cattle livers and kidneys from Vojvodina, northern Serbia

ABSTRACTConcentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in livers (n = 52) and kidneys (n = 52) of female cattle (345–2717 days old) from dairy farms in the region Vojvodina. Cd and Pb were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, after microwave digestion. Cd and Pb concentrations did not exceed the Serbian and European maximum set limits in any sample. The Cd concentrations in the livers and kidneys ranged from 0.033 to 0.151 mg kg−1 wet weight and from 0.055 to 0.510 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively. The corresponding Pb concentrations were 0.015-0.159 mg kg−1 wet weight and 0.021-0.196 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively. Mean Cd and Pb concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the liver (0.072 and 0.053 mg kg−1 wet weight) than in the kidney (0.190 and 0.075 mg kg−1 wet weight). There were good correlations between Cd in liver and Cd in kidney, Pb in liver and Pb in kidney, Cd level and age and Pb level and age in both tissues.

Cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations in pathologically altered human kidneys.

Heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) act as nephrotoxic agents, particularly in the renal cortex. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Cd, Pb and Hg in kidneys removed from patients due to lesions of various etiologies and from patients after the rejection of transplanted kidneys. Additionally, we determined the influence of selected biological and environmental factors on the concentrations of toxic metals. The study material consisted of kidneys with tumor lesions (n=27), without tumors (n=7) and its extracted grafts (n=10) obtained from patients belongs to the north-western areas of Poland. The determined metal concentrations in the renal cortex and medulla may be arranged in the following descending order: Cd>Pb>Hg. The highest concentrations of Cd and Hg were found in the cortex, while the maximum content Pb was observed in the medulla. Significant correlations were found in the concentrations of the same metals between cortex and medulla and between Pb and Hg in the renal medulla. Pb content was higher in the renal medulla of men than in the cortex of the elderly (above 60years of age). The highest concentrations of Pb and Hg were found in the cortex and medulla, of the kidneys had not neoplastic changes, and lower content of these metals were found in the extracted kidney grafts. In summary, renal grafts accumulate less heavy metals than cancerous kidneys, what could have been caused by immunosuppressors taken by the graft recipients. Moreover, sex, age and smoking are key factors responsible for xenobiotics concentrations.