Combination Of Cadmium Research Articles

Co-exposure of polyvinyl chloride microplastics with cadmium promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in female ducks through oxidative stress and glycolipid accumulation

A recently discovered environmental contaminant, microplastics (MPs) are capable of amassing within the body and pose a grave threat to the health of both humans and animals. It is widely acknowledged that the combination of cadmium (Cd), a hazardous heavy metal, and microplastics produces synergistic deleterious effects. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which co-exposure to polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC-MPs) and Cd damages the liver of avian females is unknown. Globally prevalent and the subject of extensive research in mammals, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver condition. However, the mechanisms underlying injury to the avian digestive system caused by NAFLD remain unknown. Two months of co-exposure to Cd and PVC-MPs, pure water, solitary Cd exposure, single microplastics exposure, and pure water were administered to female Muscovy ducks in this study. The objective of this research was to examine whether the co-exposure of duck liver to PVC-MPs and Cd-induced oxidative stress resulted in NAFLD and subsequent apoptosis of hepatic cells. The study's findings showed that hepatocyte shape and functional activity were negatively impacted by PVC-MP and Cd buildup in liver tissues. Reduced liver organ coefficients, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content, and ultrastructural damage to hepatocyte nuclei and mitochondria are indicators of this. These results point to a possible impairment in liver function. phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) deficiency activates the protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway in the livers of female reproductive ducks that have been damaged by oxidative stress. This stimulation induces lipid deposition, fibrosis, and glycogen accumulation, which ultimately results in hepatocyte apoptosis. In summary, our research provides evidence that PVC-MPs cause oxidative harm to the liver, which subsequently results in fibrosis of liver tissue, hepatic glucolipid metabolism, and ultimately apoptosis.

Cadmium and phthalate impacts developmental growth and mortality of Spodoptera littoralis, but not reproductive success

Our environment is increasingly polluted with various molecules, some of which are considered endocrine disruptors. Metals and phthalates, originating from industrial activities, agricultural practices, or consumer products, are prominent examples of such pollutants. We experimentally investigated the impacts of the heavy metal cadmium and the phthalate DEHP on the moth Spodoptera littoralis. More specifically, larvae were reared in laboratory conditions, where they were exposed to diets contaminated with either two doses of cadmium at concentrations of 62.5 µg/g or 125 µg/g, two doses of DEHP at 100 ng/g and 10 µg/g, or a combination of both low and high doses of the two compounds, with a control group for comparison. Our findings indicate that cadmium delays the developmental transition from larva to adult. Notably, the combination of cadmium and DEHP exacerbated this delay, highlighting a synergistic effect. In contrast, DEHP alone did not affect larval development. Additionally, we observed that cadmium exposure, both alone and in combination with DEHP, led to a lower mass at all larval stages. However, cadmium-exposed individuals that reached adulthood eventually reached a similar mass to those in other groups. Interestingly, while our results did not show any effect of the treatments on hatching success, there was a higher adult mortality rate in the cadmium-treated groups. This suggests that while moths may prioritize reproductive success, their survival at the adult stage is compromised by cadmium exposure. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the impact of cadmium on the development, mass, and adult survival of moths, and reveals synergistic effects when combined with DEHP. These results confirm cadmium as an endocrine disruptor, even at low doses. These insights underscore the importance of understanding the toxicological effects of low doses of pollutants like cadmium and DEHP, both individually and in combination.

The effectiveness of L-cysteine in the intoxication with the combination of cadmium and lead

The anthropogenic zones formation with an abnormal heavy metals degree negatively affects the safety and quality of livestock products, the health status and animals productivity. Detoxification by complexation with metal-binding proteins and peptides with a high content of cysteine (up to 33%) is one of the intracellular mechanisms of tolerance to heavy metals (HMs). L-cysteine is a natural feed component, practically it does not have any side effects and does not reduce the quality of products, the duration of its use is not limited, while complexing agents cannot be feeded for a long time, as well as the liver and kidneys deseases. The aim of this research was to study the biological effect of the L-cysteine in case of combined chronic cadmium and lead poisoning of white rats in laboratory conditions. Two-month experiment on white rats feeded with a combination of lead and cadmium at the level of 50 and 5 mg/kg respectively were held. It was found that L-cysteine led to the body weight and the function of the central nervous system normalization, the restoration of protein metabolism, and alkaline phosphatase activity, and hematopoietic functions. The feed additive significantly reduced the specific thiolotropic effect of lead and cadmium.

Cadmium, lead, and mercury interactions on obstructive lung function in pre- and postmenopausal women.

There was a dearth of information on how heavy metals affect women's lung function. To assess the effects of cadmium, lead, and mercury and their interactions on obstructive lung function in pre- and postmenopausal women. The associations between an individual heavy metal and its mixtures and the first second of forced expiration (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) were studied using multivariate non-linear, linear, and logistic regression models, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and marginal effects in 1821 women. Serum cadmium and lead levels and the percentage of FEV1/FVC < 70% were substantially higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Cadmium (β = - 0.84, 95%, - 1.63 to - 0.05) and lead (β = - 0.43, 95%CI, - 1.62 to - 0.04) were found to be inversely associated with the FEV1/FVC ratio in premenopausal women, while a combination of cadmium and mercury showed a negative association with the FEV1/FVC ratio in postmenopausal women (β = - 0.65, 95%CI, - 1.27 to - 0.03). In the non-linear regression model, an inverted U-shape association of mercury with FEV1/FVC indicator was found in postmenopausal women (β = - 0.78, 95%CI, - 1.41 to - 0.15). In BKMR model, a mixture of three heavy metals was negatively associated with the FEV1/FVC ratio. Cadmium was identified as an important substance associated with lung function decline (posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) = 0.731 in premenopausal and PIPs = 0.514 in postmenopausal women). Cadmium appeared linear; an inverted U-shape association of mercury with the FEV1/FVC indicator and slightly positive associations of lead with the FEV1/FVC indicator in postmenopausal women were found. Threshold cutoff values for the studied substances related to clinical lung function decline were established. In conclusion, the presence of mixed heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) and their association with obstructive lung function showed worse results than separate associations. These findings have important implications for policy and future research about how heavy metals affect women's lungs.

In silico identification of molecular mechanisms for stroke risk caused by heavy metals and their mixtures: Sponges and drugs involved

This study used various approaches and databases to evaluate the molecular processes and identify miRNA sponges and drugs associated with the pathophysiology of stroke caused by heavy metals and their combinations. We found that the genes ALB (albumin), IL1B (Interleukin-1β), F2 (coagulation factor II), APOA1 (apolipoprotein A1), IL6 (Interleukin 6), and NOS2 (nitric oxide synthase 2) were linked to the development of strokes by 18 chemicals and a combination of cadmium, copper, and lead. These results may point to the significance of detoxification and neuroinflammation in stroke as well as the potential for targeting these genes in future stroke therapies. ALB and IL1B were the most common and significant genes. The "selenium micronutrient network," "vitamin B12 metabolism," and "folate metabolism" were shown to be the most significant pathways connected to the risk of stroke brought on by combined heavy metals. The two main cellular elements that may increase the risk of stroke caused by heavy metals were discovered to be "blood microparticle" and "endoplasmic reticulum lumen." We also observed an important chromosome (chr7p15.3), two transcription factors (NFKB2 [nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2] and NR1I2 [nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group, member 2]), and four microRNAs (hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-9–5p, hsa-miR-124–3p, and hsa-miR-155–5p) associated with stroke caused by combined heavy metals. Additionally, for these miRNAs, we created and examined in silico microRNA sponge sequences. Triflusal and andrographolide have been identified as potential treatments for heavy metal-induced stroke. Taken together, heavy metals may be a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of stroke, but further investigation into the precise molecular pathways implicated in stroke pathophysiology is required to corroborate these findings.

EFFECTS OF CADMIUM AND HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN CALYX EXTRACT ON ORGAN GRAVIMETRY AND LIPID PROFILE OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

The effects of cadmium alone and that of cadmium plus aqueous extract of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn on organ gravimetry and lipid profile of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) have been examined. The treatments did not alter the brain-, gill- and liver- body weight ratios when compared to the cadmium and extract- free group, the control. Relative to the control group, brain and gill homogenates‘ total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased in the group of fish exposed to cadmium alone. Exposure to cadmium alone also caused significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in liver triacylglycerol relative to the control. When compared to the group exposed to cadmium only fish exposed to cadmium and 0.25% aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher, brain total – and LDL-cholesterol levels. The latter treatment, combination of cadmium and extract did not alter the levels of triacylglycerol in the three organs examined relative to the cadmium only group. The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx therefore offers protection against cadmium-induced decrease in brain total-and LDL-cholesterol of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus.

Effect of Diatomite on the Accumulation of Lead and Cadmium in the Body of White Rats

Every year, pollution by eco-toxicants of natural and anthropogenic origin is becoming more and more acute. Some of the most toxic among them are heavy metals, especially cadmium and lead. These elements do not decompose. Once released into the environment, these elements continue to circulate in water, soil, and air for a very long time, accumulating in plants and livestock products. Therefore, there is a problem of obtaining safe agricultural products in areas contaminated with heavy metals. In animal husbandry, synthetic and natural enterosorbents are used for obtaining safe products. For example, such enterosorbents are shungites, bentonites, diatomites, clays. We tested diatomite from the Kamyshlovskoye deposit at a dose of 5.0 g/kg of feed to reduce cadmium accumulation and lead during their combined intake. We investigated the feed intake of a combination of cadmium and lead at doses of 5.0 and 50.0 mg/kg feed. The result of this experiment is the accumulation of metals in the liver, kidneys, and bones, and, in addition, in the testes. The use of diatomite to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals has not been successful. There is an increase in lead accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and testes. The content of cadmium in diatomite is 3.86 ± 0.20 mg/kg, lead – 105.0 ± 7.2 mg/kg. The results obtained indicate that diatomite as a feed additive to reduce lead and cadmium intoxication did not show protective properties.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ДИАТОМИТА ПРИ ИНТОКСИКАЦИИ ЖИВОТНЫХ КАДМИЕМ И СВИНЦОМ

The combination of cadmium and lead in doses at the level of 10 MPC for feed caused in white rats a decrease in body weight and immunoglobulin content in blood serum, an increase in the summation threshold indicator, a decrease of the amount of protein in urine and SH-groups in blood serum, a significant increase in mass coefficients of the liver and kidneys. The use of diatomite as a means to reduce heavy metal intoxication slightly increased body weight. The use of means did not lead to normalization of the summation threshold indicator, did not significantly affect the content of SH-groups. In the group of animals treated with diatomite, the mass coefficients of the liver remained significantly higher than the control values. The obtained results indicate that diatomite did not show protective properties as a feed additive to reduce lead and cadmium intoxication.

EFFECT OF METAL CITRATES ON INDICATORS OF THE EMBRYOTOXICITY OF CADMIUM SALTS IN RATS WITH COMBINED INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of metal citrates (cerium, zinc, iron) when combined with cadmium salts (chloride/citrate) on the embryotoxicity of cadmium in rats. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of metal citrates (cerium, zinc, iron) when combined with cadmium salts (chloride/citrate) on the embryotoxicity of cadmium in rats. Embryotoxic effects of test substances in groups were calculated and compared according to the following indicators: number of embryos, total, preimplantation, postimplantation embryonic mortality. Comparison of the embryotropic properties of cadmium chloride and cadmium citrate in the groups of isolated administration revealed a higher level of embryotoxicity of cadmium chloride. In the groups of combined administration, the greatest reduction in embryotoxicity was determined in the groups of the combination of cadmium with iron citrate for all studied indicators. embryogenesis, cadmium, cerium citrate, iron citrate, zinc citrate, embryonic mortality Метою дослідження було визначення впливу цитратів металів (церію, цинку, заліза) при комбінованому введенні з солями кадмію (хлориду/цитрату) на показники ембріотоксичності кадмію у щурів. Окрім контрольної групи, були 2 групи ізольованого введення кадмію і 6 груп комбінованого введення солей кадмію з цитратами металів (церій, цинк, залізо). Ембріотоксичну дію досліджуваних речовин в групах розраховували і порівнювали за наступними показниками: кількість ембріонів, загальна, доімплантаційна, післяімплантаційна ембріональна смертність. Порівняння ембріотропних властивостей хлориду кадмію та цитрату кадмію в групах ізольованого введення виявило більш високий рівень ембріотоксичності хлориду кадмію. У групах комбінованого введення найбільше зниження показників ембріотоксичності визначалося в групах комбінації кадмію з цитратом заліза по всіх досліджуваних показниках.

Influence of cadmium and FYM on growth, yield and quality of fodder sorghum

In order to evaluate the effects of different combinations of cadmium and FYM on growth parameters, yields and quality parameters of semi rabi sorghum (var. Gundari), a pot experiment was conducted at Junagadh Agriculture University, Junagadh. The treatments comprising of different five levels of cadmium viz., 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg-1 and three levels of farmyard manure viz., 0, 10 and 20 t ha-1 in Completely Randomization Design (Factorial) repeated thrice. The result revealed that higher value of growth, yield and quality parameters were achieved in treatment Cd0 (0 mg Cd kg-1) and decreased with increasing levels of Cd from 0 to 80 mg kg-1. The highest values of growth, yield and quality parameters were achieve under the application of 20 t FYM ha-1 (F20). Among all treatment combinations, the highest values of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, dry leaves, dry stem, dry root yield, green forage yield and dry matter yield were observed with treatment combination F20Cd0. However, interaction effect of Cd and FYM was found non-significant with respect to quality parameters viz., crude protein, crude fiber and ash content of sorghum at harvest.

Histological analysis of the effects of cadmium, chromium and mercury alone and in combination on the spleen of male Sprague-Dawley rats

The mining sector in South Africa is expected to be the fifth largest in the world. Both mining and transport are the most common reasons for an increased risk of human exposure to heavy metal contamination in South Africa. Due to increasing amounts of metals in the environment, this study identified three metals cadmium, chromium and mercury based on the risk of exposure in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the morphology of the spleen tissue of male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to these metals alone and in combination by using light microscopy. Forty eight animals in eight experimental groups were exposed, via oral gavage, to these metals at 1000× the World Health Organization’s acceptable water limits of each respective metal, alone and in combination, for 28 days. Changes in the histological structure of the spleen were observed using haematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red staining. Necrosis was observed in all the groups, with the severity varying between the different exposure groups, alone or in combination. Fibrosis in the spleen tissue was only seen in the experimental groups exposed to cadmium and mercury respectively, as well as in the combination of cadmium and mercury.

Context-Dependent Responses of Aquatic Insects to Metals and Metal Mixtures: A Quantitative Analysis Summarizing 24 Yr of Stream Mesocosm Experiments.

Modernizing water quality criteria to predict how contaminants affect natural aquatic communities requires that we utilize data obtained across multiple lines of evidence, including laboratory, mesocosm, and field studies. We report the results of 29 mesocosm experiments conducted from 1994 to 2017 at the Colorado State University Stream Research Laboratory (Fort Collins, CO, USA). The primary goal of the present study was to quantify responses of aquatic insect communities collected from 8 different locations to different combinations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Treatments that included Cu or Fe, either alone or in combination with other metals, were especially toxic to aquatic insects. The results showed that effects of metals were context dependent and varied significantly among the 8 sites where communities were collected. In particular, effects on communities from smaller streams were significantly greater than those from larger streams. Our analyses also showed that several morphological (body size, shape, gills, degree of sclerotization) and life history (voltinism) traits were significantly correlated with sensitivity to metals. Across all taxa and experiments, aquatic insects broadly classified as small (maximum body length <8 mm) were significantly more sensitive to metals than medium or large individuals. These findings demonstrate the advantages of integrating results of mesocosm experiments with species traits to develop a mechanistic understanding of biotic and abiotic factors that influence community responses to contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2486-2496. © 2019 SETAC.

Ratiometric fluorescence nanosensors based on core-shell structured carbon/CdTe quantum dots and surface molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of sulfadiazine.

Sulfadiazine is an environmental pollutant derived from abuse of antibiotics. Its content in environmental water is closely related to human health. Thus, a novel dual-emission surface molecularly imprinted nanosensor is designed for the specific adsorption and detection of sulfadiazine. In the system, blue emissive carbon quantum dots wrapped with silica served as the internal reference signal for eliminating background interference, while red emissive thioglycolic acid modified CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs), which are low dimensional semiconductor materials by the combination of cadmium and tellurium with excellent optical properties, were encapsulated in the imprinted layer to offer recognition signal. The fluorescence of CdTe quantum dots was quenched and the fluorescence quenching degree of carbon quantum dots was inconspicuous with the increase of concentration of sulfadiazine, thereby reflecting the color change. The detection of sulfadiazine was successfully achieved in a concentration range of 0.25-20μmol/L with detection limit of 0.042μmol/L and nanosensors had specific recognition for sulfadiazine over its analogues. Compared to single-emission fluorescence sensors, ratiometric fluorescence nanosensors had wider linear range and higher detection accuracy. Furthermore, the nanosensors were also successfully applied for the determination of sulfadiazine in real water and milk samples with acceptable recoveries. The study provides a feasible method for the detection of sulfadiazine and a reference for the detection of sulfonamides.

Cadmium Uptake and Translocation of Tomato in Response to Simulated Irrigation Water Containing Elevated Concentrations of Cadmium and Zinc in Clayey Soil

Accumulation of metals in cultivated crops is considered one of the primary constraints to irrigated agriculture. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out to study the effects of irrigation with elevated cadmium (Cd) and a combination of cadmium and zinc (Zn) levels on Cd uptake, translocation, and productivity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Tomato seedlings were grown in 3-kg pots irrigated for three months until maturity. Treatments were as follows: pots irrigated with fresh water containing Cd concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.64, 2.54 mg L−1), and pots irrigated with a combination of Cd + Zn concentrations (0 + 0, 0.01 + 2, 0.04 + 8, 0.16 + 32, 0.64 + 128, and 2.56 + 256 mg L−1). Cadmium and Zn concentration in soil and plant parts (root, shoot, and fruit) increased with increasing metal dose in irrigation water. Results also showed that Cd accumulation in the fruit was much lower than in the shoot indicating lower Cd transfer from soil to the fruit. Tomato biomass was not affected by treatments even at the highest metal dose. The uptake of Cd in tomato fruit ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 and from 0.3 to 1 mg kg−1, in single and combination treatments, respectively. Cadmium in fruit exceeded the permissible limit at 0.04 and 0.16 + 32 mg L−1 in Cd and Cd + Zn treatments, respectively. Therefore these levels could be considered as a threshold for tomato cultivation in clayey soil.

Cadmium binding mechanisms of isolated domains of human MT isoform 1a: Non-cooperative terminal sites and cooperative cluster sites

A number of biological functions have been ascribed to mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) including zinc and copper homeostatic regulation, redox activity and detoxification of heavy metals like cadmium and mercury. It is unclear how these small, fluxional, cysteine rich proteins manage to play each of these vital roles. Using a combination of cadmium and pH titrations of the isolated domains of human MT isoform 1a monitored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy, we report the pH dependencies that control metal binding mechanisms of these domains. We report that the α-domain mechanism is driven by the cooperative formation of the Cd4MT cluster at slightly acidic pH (≤6.9) switching binding mechanisms over a physiologically relevant pH range, whereas the β-domain metalation mechanism is dominated by terminal coordination of cadmium in a non-cooperative manner above pH5.5. These results suggest that, in some acidic sub-cellular compartments, cadmium could be sequestered in the α-domain, leaving zinc or copper bound in the β-domain and available for donation to other metalloproteins. We propose that these results can be explained by the intrinsic nature of the two domains, the four-metal α-cluster being more resistant to proton attack due to its lower charge-to-metal ratio, compared with the three-metal β-domain.

Varying Dietary Levels of Molybdenum Inducing Cell Apoptosis of Spleen Under Cadmium Stress in Caprine.

The present experiment aims at evaluating chronic toxic effects of the combination of cadmium (Cd) and molybdenum (Mo) according to residual element contents, apoptosis gene expression, and ultrastructure and histopathology changes of caprine spleen. In total, 36 Boer goats were randomly divided into four groups with the equal number in each group. The control group was orally administered with deionized water while the experimental groups I, II, and III were administered with the equal quantity of CdCl2 (1mgkg(-1) BW) and (NH4)6·Mo7O24·4H2O including 15, 30, and 45mg·Mokg(-1) BW, respectively. Three individuals from each group were treated with euthanasia on days 0, 25, and 50. The data showed that the content of splenic residual Mo and Cd increased (P<0.05) in the experimental groups on days 25 and 50, while no significant difference was observed in the content of Cu. The apoptosis-related gene expression levels including Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Smac, and ceruloplasmin (CP) were also determined. Results showed that significant reductions were observed in Bcl-2 and CP expressions (P<0.01), while Caspase-3 gene was up-regulated (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in Smac and Bax expressions. Furthermore, on day 50, spleen tissues were presented to observe ultrastructural changes in lesions by means of transmission electron microscopy, with fragmentized nucleus, vesiculation of cytoplasm, mitochondria hyperplasia, and increasing lysosomes included. In addition, histopathology results corroborated the toxicity by showing cell hemorrhage, thickening central arteries, and enhanced capsule thickness. To sum up, our study revealed that the combination of Cd and Mo could induce remarkable damage to the spleen of goats by promoting cell apoptosis in the mitochondrial pathway and affecting the deposition of Mo and Cd.

Combination of cadmium and high cholesterol levels as a risk factor for heart fibrosis.

The deleterious effects of increased cadmium (Cd) serum levels on the cardiovascular system are proven by epidemiological and basic science studies. Cd exposure of animals and humans is known to impair myocardial function, possibly leading to heart failure. This study aims at investigating the effect of Cd treatment on the cardiac system with emphasis on the combined effect of Cd and high serum cholesterol levels as an important cardiovascular risk factor. Detailed analyses of Cd-induced effects on the heart of ApoE-/- mice fed a high fat diet (HFD), ApoE-/- mice fed a normal diet (ND), and C57BL/6J mice fed a ND revealed proinflammatory and fibrotic changes in the presence of cellular hypertrophy but in the absence of organ hypertrophy. Hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice alone and in combination with Cd treatment resulted in significant cardiomyocyte cell death. Based on further analyses of heart sections, we conclude that severe hypercholesterolemia in combination with ApoE-/- genotype as well as Cd treatment results in necrotic cardiomyocyte death. These data were supported by in vitro experiments showing a Cd-induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and the permeabilization of the plasma membrane arguing for the occurrence of Cd-induced necrotic cell death. In summary, we were able to show for the first time that the combination of high cholesterol and Cd levels increase the risk for heart failure through cardiac fibrosis. This observation could in part be explained by the dramatically increased deposition of Cd in the hearts of ApoE-/- mice fed a HFD.

Further development of mathematical description for combined toxicity: A case study of lead–fluoride combination

In this article, we check and develop further some postulates of the theory and mathematical modeling of combined toxic effect that we proposed earlier [1]. To this end, we have analyzed the results of an experiment on rats exposed during 6 weeks to repeated intraperitoneal injections of lead acetate, sodium fluoride or both. The development of intoxication was estimated quantitatively with 54 functional, biochemical and morphometric indices. For mathematical description of the effect that lead and fluorine doses produced alone or in combination, we used a response surface regression model containing linear and cross terms (hyperbolic paraboloid). It is shown that the combination of lead and fluoride features the same 10 types of combined effect that we found previously for the lead and cadmium combination. Special attention is given to indices on which lead and fluorine produce an opposite effect.

Delineating the anti-cytotoxic and anti-genotoxic potentials of catechin hydrate against cadmium toxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Catechins (flavan-3-ol) are a type of natural phenol and well-studied antioxidants. Catechin hydrate, also known as taxifolin; is non-mutagenic, low in toxicity compared to other immunomodulator antioxidants. We aimed to determine the potential of catechin hydrate to prevent the cyto-genotoxic effects of cadmium in lymphocytes; demonstrate the immuno-protective activity of catechin hydrate. Our previous study indicated that cadmium is apoptogenic. Lymphocytes were treated with catechin hydrate or cadmium and catechine hydrate combinations (range 0.1–100μM) to determine their effects on cell viability. Lymphocytes treated with 100μM catechin hydrate and 100μM cadmium showed cell viability 70.65±6.92% and 5.69±2.27%, respectively. In our previous study cadmium (10 and 20μM) induced apoptosis in 31.8% and 44.4% of lymphocytes, respectively. However, the percentage of apoptotic cells after treatment with the combination of cadmium and catechin hydrate was not significantly different from that of catechin hydrate (P>0.05). Only 7.3% and 10.5% of the lymphocytes were apoptotic after treatment with 10μM cadmium+10μM catechin hydrate and 20μM cadmium+20μM catechin hydrate, respectively. The anti-geno-cytotoxic and immuno-protective potential of catechin hydrate was also demonstrated by the non-significant expression of apoptosis-related genes after treatment with catechin hydrate.

Cadmium- and Chromium-Induced Aberrations in the Reproductive Biology of &lt;i&gt;Hordeum vulgare&lt;/i&gt;

Five partially tolerant and five non-tolerant accessions of Hordeum vulgare (Barley) against a combination of cadmium and hexavalent chromium were crossed after screening to produce intra-category hybrids, and the intra-category genetic variability and their effect on reproductive biology were analyzed. A differential response for the amount of meiotic irregularity was recorded between different (Cd+Cr)-treated sets of hybrids. This could be due to a differential response of the genotypes for the same concentration of (Cd+Cr). These two heavy metals in combination reduced the number of pollen grains per anther and significantly increased pollen sterility.