Elevated Levels Of Cadmium Research Articles

Olfactory Impairment and Recovery in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Following Cadmium Exposure

Anthropic activities have significantly elevated cadmium levels, making it a significant stressor in aquatic ecosystems. Present in high concentrations across water bodies, cadmium is known to bioaccumulate and biomagnify throughout the food chain. While the toxic effects of cadmium on the organs and tissues of aquatic species are well-documented, little is known about its impact on sensory systems crucial for survival. Consequently, this study investigated the impact of short-term exposure (96 h) to 25 µM cadmium chloride on the olfactory system of adult zebrafish. The research aimed to assess structural and functional changes in the zebrafish’s olfactory lamellae, providing a deeper understanding of how cadmium affects the sense of smell in this aquatic species. After exposure, cyto-anatomical alterations in the lamellae were analysed using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry. They revealed severe lamellar edema, epithelial thickening, and an increased number of apoptotic and crypt cells. Rodlet and goblet cells also increased by 3.5- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared to control lamellae, and collagen density in the lamina propria increased 1.7-fold. Cadmium upregulated metallothioneins and increased the number of PCNA-positive cells. The olfactory function was assessed through a behavioural odour recognition test, followed by a recovery phase in which zebrafish exposed to cadmium were placed in clean water for six days. The exposed fish performed poorly, failing to reach food in five consecutive trials. However, lamellar damage was reduced after the recovery period, and their performance improved, becoming comparable to the control group. These results suggest that cadmium disrupts the sense of smell, and that recovery is possible after short-term exposure. This evidence sheds light on aspects of animal survival that are often overlooked when assessing environmental pollution.

Impact of air pollution and heavy metal exposure on sperm quality: A clinical prospective research study

Exposure to air pollution poses significant risks to human health, including detrimental effects on the reproductive system, affecting both men and women. Our prospective clinical study aimed to assess the impact of prolonged air pollution exposure on sperm quality in male patients attending a fertility clinic. The current study was conducted at Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, and the study examined sperm samples obtained from individuals with extended exposure to air pollution. Microscopic analysis, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was conducted to evaluate sperm morphology. At the same time, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) determined the presence of heavy metals, including Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), known to affect sperm production. Our findings revealed that long-term exposure to air pollution adversely affects sperm quality, manifesting in alterations during the spermatogenesis cycle, morphological abnormalities observed through SEM, and impaired sperm motility. Additionally, epidemiological evidence suggests that elevated levels of cadmium and lead in the environment induce oxidative stress, leading to sperm DNA damage and reduced sperm concentrations. These results underscore the urgent need for environmental interventions to mitigate air pollution and protect reproductive health.

Cumulative characteristics and ecological risk source analysis of soil potentially toxic elements in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.

To understand the soil toxic and hazardous elements content, pollution level, and ecological risk status in the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, we collected and analyzed 8273 sets of surface soil samples. Evaluations were conducted using the single-factor pollution index, geo-accumulation, pollution load, and potential ecological risk indices, and source identification correlation and principal component analysis. The results revealed that, compared with the background levels in China, the accumulation of soil arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and chromium was greater in the surface soil of the study area. Additionally, in comparison with Qinghai Province, more mercury accumulated in the surface soil of the study area and owing to the influence of anthropogenic activities. Benchmarking against soil environmental quality standards, the study area exhibited pollution control zones primarily dominated by arsenic and cadmium (3.9%). The spatial distribution revealed distinct zones: a ridge mountain type characterized by arsenic-cadmium-chromium-nickel, a Daban mountain type with solely cadmium presence, and a Longyangxia-Jianzha South type dominated by arsenic. Compared with the Qinghai Province soil background values, evaluations using the Pollution loading index, Geological Cumulative Index, and Potential Ecological Risk Index methods revealed varying degrees of potentially toxic element content exceedance. From an ecological risk perspective, the individual element with the highest potential ecological risk coefficients were mercury, followed by cadmium and arsenic; however, the region's overall ecological risk index was classified as low. Three distinct sources were identified: natural sources leading to high background levels of chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, and mercury; mixed natural and industrial/agricultural sources contributing to elevated cadmium levels; and human activity-related mercury enrichment. Based on the evaluation results, synergistic monitoring of soil and biota in naturally occurring risk zones is recommended to ensure the safety of agricultural and pastoral products. Additionally, ecological impact assessments and pollution source mitigation studies should be conducted in regions influenced by human activities to curb the further degradation of soil ecological quality.

Optimization of bacterial consortia for enhanced cadmium removal from contaminated environments: a case study near the Cochin Backwater System, Kerala, India

Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and ecological threat worldwide, posing significant challenges. Excessive accumulation of heavy metal like cadmium in the environment poses significant risks to both the environment and human health, particularly in regions with industrial activities and insufficient waste management practices. In this study, we focused on optimizing bacterial consortia composed of Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris for efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated environments, with specific emphasis on areas near the Cochin backwater system in Kerala, India. Sampling conducted at Sreebhoothapuram and Eloor Ferry Kadavu stations near Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) revealed these sites as having significant cadmium accumulation. Bacterial strains isolated from these stations exhibited notable resistance to cadmium, with levels reaching up to 40 mg/l and these strains maintained similar growth conditions, making them good candidates for constructing a bacterial consortium. The Cd-resistant bacteria were characterized and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris. Through a synergetic approach, a consortium comprising two bacterial strains from different combinations obtained from these stations demonstrated promising cadmium resistance, reaching up to 60 mg/l. Mixture design optimization facilitated the determination of an optimal ratio (Aeromonas hydrophila: Psychrobacter nivimaris) = (0.329:0.671) for maximum removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of both individuals and the consortium revealed morphological changes, such as modifications in the cell wall, shape, and size of the bacteria, that occur during the absorption of Cd (II). The efficiency of the optimized consortium was validated through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, achieving an impressive removal percentage of 96.5% for a real wastewater sample with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) less than 10%. This study underscores the potential of tailored bacterial consortia as effective bioremediation agents for Cd-contaminated environments, particularly in regions with elevated cadmium levels like the Cochin backwater system in Kerala.

Exposure to heavy metals in utero and autism spectrum disorder at age 3: a meta-analysis of two longitudinal cohorts of siblings of children with autism

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Risk is attributed to genetic and prenatal environmental factors, though the environmental agents are incompletely characterized.MethodsIn Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and Markers of Autism Risk in Babies Learning Early Signs (MARBLES), two pregnancy cohorts of siblings of children with ASD, urinary metals concentrations during two pregnancy time periods (< 28 weeks and ≥ 28 weeks of gestation) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. At age three, clinicians assessed ASD with DSM-5 criteria. In an exposure-wide association framework, using multivariable log binomial regression, we examined each metal for association with ASD status, adjusting for gestational age at urine sampling, child sex, age at pregnancy, race/ethnicity and education. We meta-analyzed across the two cohorts.ResultsIn EARLI (n = 170) 17% of children were diagnosed with ASD, and 44% were classified as having non-neurotypical development (Non-TD). In MARBLES (n = 231), 21% were diagnosed with ASD, and 14% classified as Non-TD. During the first and second trimester period (< 28 weeks), having cadmium concentration over the level of detection was associated with 1.69 (1.08, 2.64) times higher risk of ASD, and 1.29 (0.95, 1.75)times higher risk of Non-TD.A doubling of first and second trimester cesium concentration was marginally associated with 1.89 (0.94, 3.80) times higher risk of ASD, and a doubling of third trimester cesium with 1.69 (0.97, 2.95) times higher risk of ASD.ConclusionExposure in utero to elevated levels of cadmium and cesium, as measured in urine collected during pregnancy, was associated with increased risk of developing ASD.

Association of individual and combined exposures of 10 metals with periodontitis: Results from a large population-based study.

To systematically investigate the association between individual and combined metal exposure and periodontitis. Data encompassing complete periodontal examinations and metal detection in blood and urine samples were procured from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Three statistical methods, namely weighted logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, were used to evaluate the independent and combined associations between metals and periodontitis. Elevated concentrations of blood cadmium (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.61) and blood lead (OR: 1.17, 95 %CI: 1.02-1.34) exhibited a positive association with periodontitis, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The BKMR and WQS regression suggested that the co-exposure of metals was also positively associated with periodontitis. Moreover, estradiol and albumin were identified as potential mediators in the relationship between the WQS index of the 10 metals in blood and periodontitis explaining 25.36% and 2.02% of the relationship, respectively. Furthermore, generally consistent patterns of associations between metals and periodontitis and mediating roles of estrogen and albumin were observed after a series of sensitivity analyses. This study provides evidence of positive associations between elevated levels of cadmium, lead or metal mixture and periodontitis, which may be partially mediated by sex hormones and oxidative stress indicators.

A novel aldo-keto reductase gene, OsAKR1, from rice confers higher tolerance to cadmium stress in rice by an in vivo reactive aldehyde detoxification

Elevated levels of cadmium (Cd) have the ability to impede plant development. Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) have been demonstrated in a number of plant species to improve tolerance to a variety of abiotic stresses by scavenging cytotoxic aldehydes; however, only a few AKRs have been identified to improve Cd tolerance. The OsAKR1 gene was extracted and identified from rice here. After being exposed to Cd, the expression of OsAKR1 dramatically rose in both roots and shoots, although more pronounced in roots. According to a subcellular localization experiment, the nucleus and cytoplasm are where OsAKR1 is primarily found. Mutants lacking OsAKR1 exhibited Cd sensitive phenotype than that of the wild-type (WT) Nipponbare (Nip), and osakr1 mutants exhibited reduced capacity to scavenge methylglyoxal (MG). Furthermore, osakr1 mutants exhibited considerably greater hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased catalase (CAT) activity in comparison to Nip. The expression of three isomeric forms of CAT was found to be considerably elevated in osakr1 mutants during Cd stress, as demonstrated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis, when compared to Nip. These results imply that OsAKR1 controlled rice's ability to withstand Cd by scavenging harmful aldehydes and turning on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanism.

Variation in heavy metals concentrations among seaweed species from Mkwiro seaweed farm, Kwale County, Kenya

This study, conducted at the Mkwiro seaweed farm in Kwale County, Kenya, aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) and essential elements (Na, Fe, Ca, and K) in selected edible seaweed species. The study used a cross-sectional, descriptive research design and probability sampling method to collect data. Seaweed samples of three selected species, Cottonii (Kappaphycus alvarezii), Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), and Bubble-green seaweed (Boergesenia forbesii) were collected in quadrants and subjected to chemical analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using R Studio version 4.3.2, with a significance level set at α=0.05. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences in lead concentrations among seaweed types (χ² (2) = 7.01, p = 0.03). Cadmium concentrations did not show significant differences (χ² (2) = 3.88, p = 0.14). For calcium concentrations, ANOVA indicated no significant effect of seaweed type (F (2,33) = 0.6381, p = 0.5347). Iron concentrations differed significantly among seaweed types (χ² (2) = 23.35, p = 0.00000849), with B. forbesii having the highest median concentration. Potassium and sodium concentrations did not significantly vary among seaweed types (p &gt; 0.05). The study uncovers elevated cadmium levels in seaweed, indicating potential contamination risks. However, concentrations of essential elements were lower. To address these findings, it is recommended to initiate regular monitoring and pollution control measures in seaweed farms. Additionally, diversifying cultivation with low-metal species can enhance product safety and quality.

High levels of cadmium altered soil archaeal activity, assembly, and co-occurrence network in volcanic areas

Soil microbial communities are essential to biogeochemical cycles. However, the responses of microorganisms in volcanic soil with high heavy metal levels remain poorly understood. Here, two areas with high levels of cadmium (Cd) from the same volcano were investigated to determine their archaeal composition and assembly. In this study, the Cd concentrations (0.32–0.38 mg/ kg) in the volcanic soils exceeded the standard risk screening values (GB15618–2018) and correlated with archaeal communities strongly (P < 0.05). Moreover, the area with elevated levels of Cd (periphery) exhibited a greater diversity of archaeal species, albeit with reduced archaeal activity, compared to the area with lower levels of Cd (center). Besides, stochastic processes mainly governed the archaeal communities. Furthermore, the co-occurrence network was simplest in the periphery. The proportion of positive links between taxa increased positively with Cd concentration. Moreover, four keystone taxa (all from the family Nitrososphaeraceae) were identified from the archaeal networks. In its entirety, this study has expanded our comprehension of the variations of soil archaeal communities in volcanic areas with elevated cadmium levels and serves as a point of reference for the agricultural development of volcanic soils in China.

Bioaccumulation and health risk of metal contamination from different tiers of food chain in Ennore estuary, Southeast coast of India

The concentration and bioaccumulation of heavy metals were investigated in four distinct components (water, sediment, benthic organisms, and fish) in the Ennore estuary. The average concentration of studied metals in water is 2–5 times higher in the sediment. The geoaccumulation index in the sediment, particularly for Cd, 55 folds greater than WHO and USEPS standards. The indices like MI, Cdeg, PLI, and PERI demonstrated low contamination levels, whereas Igeo and Cf revealed elevated levels of cadmium (Cd), signifying a moderate degree of contamination. Human health indices like Target Hazard Quotation (THQ) values generally fell within permissible limits (<1), except for lead (Pb) and iron (Fe). However, HI values exceeded 1, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers. The Target Risk for lead (TRPb) value for Oreochromis urolepis was 1.0 × 10−5, suggesting a significant cancer risk and may leads to other fish species in future if carcinogenic metals bioaccumulation.

Association between urinary cadmium levels and prevalence of coronary artery disease: NHANES cross-sectional study (2009-2018).

This study aims to sheds light on the correlation between urinary cadmium (Cd-U) exposure and coronary heart disease (CHD) and the mediating effects of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) based on a sample of adults in the United States. A comprehensive cross-sectional study was performed on 8,998 CHD participants who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Weighted logistic regression was employed to elucidate the association between Cd-U and the likelihood of CHD. We investigated the link of Cd-U exposure to the prevalence of CHD using limited cubic spline models to analyze the exposure-dose relationship. In addition, mediation analyses were conducted to explore the role of serum ALP in metal exposure-induced CHD. 8,998 participants were included, and 323 among them were diagnosed with CHD. Our study found that elevated levels of Cd-U in U.S. are linked to a heightened likelihood of CHD. Additionally, there is a non-linear positive correlation between Cd-U and CHD, and a saturation effect was observed. Further mediation analysis revealed that the association between Cd-U and CHD prevalence was mediated through serum ALP mellitus, with the mediation percentage being 2.5% (P value <0.05). Our study indicates a strong association between the levels of Cd-U exposure in urine and the likelihood of CHD, with serum ALP serving as a mediator.

Linking Metallic Micronutrients and Toxic Xenobiotics to Atherosclerosis and Fatty Liver Disease-Postmortem ICP-MS Analysis of Selected Human Tissues.

Dyslipidaemia is a disorder of the lipid metabolism, caused mainly by poor eating habits. The most severe consequence of an inappropriate diet is the development of atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. It is generally believed that a change in nutrition, and increased physical activity can eliminate these health problems. The contemporary research and therapies used to treat dyslipidemia mainly focus on lowering the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. However, disturbances in trace element homeostasis or the accumulation of toxic elements can also affect physiological processes, and be involved in the development of metabolically mediated diseases. The present study aimed to determine the mineral profiles of liver and brain tissues collected at autopsy (n = 39) in groups of people with hepatic steatosis (n = 5), atherosclerosis (n = 9), hepatic steatosis, and atherosclerosis (n = 16), and others without the selected disorders (n = 9). Concentrations of 51 elements were analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after the initial wet mineralisation of the samples with nitric acid. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the hepatic steatosis group suffers from a deficiency of important trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and molybdenum (p < 0.05), whereas the group with atherosclerosis is characterised by elevated levels of cadmium in the liver tissue (p = 0.01). Analysing the mean values of the element concentrations measured in 11 brain areas, statistically significant higher levels of calcium and copper (p < 0.001) were found in the atherosclerosis group, compared to the hepatic steatosis group, confirming the involvement of these elements in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In addition, an accumulation of cadmium, lead, titanium, and strontium in the brain tissue was observed in the atherosclerosis group. While the accumulation of individual elements differs in different parts of the brain, the differences in the cadmium content (p < 0.05) between the study groups apply to the whole brain, except for the nucleus accumbens septi area, where a statistically significant titanium accumulation occurs in the atherosclerosis and steatosis groups, compared to the others (p < 0.05). In addition, the disruption of elemental homeostasis in the brain of a single case with bipolar disorder, and a case with hip replacement was observed. Our results confirm the involvement of chemical elements in the pathogenesis of selected metabolic diseases, and the need for further studies in larger populations.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi, two species of Laccaria, differentially block the migration and accumulation of cadmium and copper in Pinus densiflora

The root tips of host plant species can establish ectomycorrhizae with their fungal partners, thereby altering the responses of the host plants to heavy metal (HM) toxicity. Here, two species of Laccaria, L. bicolor and L. japonica, were investigated in symbiosis with Pinus densiflora to study their potential for promotion of phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils in pot experiments. The results showed that L. japonica had significantly higher dry biomass than L. bicolor in mycelia grown on modified Melin-Norkrans medium containing elevated levels of cadmium (Cd) or copper (Cu). Meanwhile, the accumulations of Cd or Cu in L. bicolor mycelia were much higher than that in L. japonica at the same level of Cd or Cu. Therefore, L. japonica displayed a stronger tolerance to HM toxicity than L. bicolor in situ. Compared with non-mycorrhizal P. densiflora seedlings, inoculation with two Laccaria species significantly increased the growth of P. densiflora seedlings in absence or presence of HM. The mantle of host roots blocked the uptake and migration of HM, which led to the decrease of Cd and Cu accumulation in the P. densiflora shoots and roots, except for the root Cd accumulation of L. bicolor-mycorrhizal plants when 25 mg kg−1 Cd exposure. Furthermore, HM distribution in mycelia showed Cd and Cu are mainly retained in the cell walls of mycelia. These results provide strong evidence that the two species of Laccaria in this system may have different strategies to assist host tree against HM toxicity.

Mixed metals exposure and cognitive function in Bangladeshi adolescents

BackgroundOver 57 million people in Bangladesh have been chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. They also face environmental exposure to elevated levels of cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb), all of which have been previously observed in environmental and biological samples for this population. These metals have been linked to adverse neurocognitive outcomes in adults and children, though their effects on adolescents are not yet fully characterized. Additionally, previous studies have linked selenium (Se) to protective effects against the toxicity of these other metals. ObjectivesTo examine the associations between mixed metals exposure and cognitive function in Bangladeshi adolescents. MethodsThe Metals, Arsenic, & Nutrition in Adolescents study (MANAs) is a cross-sectional study of 572 Bangladeshi adolescents aged 14–16 years, whose parents were enrolled in the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS). Biosamples were collected from these adolescents for measurement of whole blood metalloid/metal levels of As, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Se. Participants also completed an abbreviated version of The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a cognitive function test designed to measure performance across several aspects of executive function. Linear regression was used to examine associations for each metal while controlling for the other metals. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) assessed the overall mixture effect in addition to confirming the effects of individual metal components observed via linear regression. ResultsLinear regression revealed negative associations for Spatial Working Memory and both As and Mn (As B=−2.40, Mn B=−5.31, p < 0.05). We also observed negative associations between Cd and Spatial Recognition Memory (B=−2.77, p < 0.05), and Pb and Delayed Match to Sample, a measure of visual recognition and memory (B=−3.67, p < 0.05). Finally, we saw a positive association for Se and Spatial Span Length (B=0.92, p < 0.05). BKMR results were largely consistent with the regression analysis, showing meaningful associations for individual metals and CANTAB subtests, but no overall mixture effect. Via BKMR, we observed negative associations between Pb and Delayed Match to Sample, and Cd and Spatial Recognition Memory; this analysis also showed positive associations for Se and the Planning, Reaction Time, and Spatial Span subtests. BKMR posterior inclusion probability consistently reported that Se, the only component of the mixture to show a positive association with cognition, was the most important member of the mixture. ConclusionsOverall, we found Se to be positively associated with cognition, while Mn and As were linked to poorer working memory, and Cd and Pb were associated with poorer visual recognition and memory. Our observations are consistent with previous reports on the effects of these metal exposures in adults and children. Our findings also suggest agreement between linear regression and BKMR methods for analyzing metal mixture exposures. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of mixed metals exposure on adverse health and poorer cognition later in life for those exposed during adolescence. Findings also suggest that metal exposure mitigation efforts aimed at adolescents might influence lifelong cognitive outcomes in regions where environmental exposure to metals is endemic.

Accumulation of cadmium in organs of experimental animals and its effect on the content of essential elements in the chronic intoxication

Introduction. This article presents the results of studying the effects of cadmium chloride and its accumulation in experimental animals’ liver, kidneys, and blood. The impact of cadmium consumption on basic bioelements (zinc, copper, calcium) in organs was assessed. Materials and methods. Experimental groups of white outbred rats were exposed daily for three months to a cadmium chloride solution containing 1, 10 and 100 μg of cadmium. Cadmium exposure was assessed at 1, 4, 12, 30, 60 and 90 days. The concentrations of cadmium, calcium, copper and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results. Whole blood cadmium concentration was not statistically different from the control group. The accumulation of cadmium in the blood was observed only after three months of exposure to a dose of 100 μg. The accumulation of cadmium in the liver occurred after one and two months of intoxication, depending on the dose. In the kidneys, an increase in cadmium occurred in all experimental groups after one month of injection. The metal content depended on the level of exposure, but no difference was observed between the liver and kidney. The concentration of zinc and calcium decreased in the kidneys and liver. Conclusion. Changes in calcium and zinc, accompanied by elevated levels of cadmium in the liver and kidneys, suggest that cadmium may interfere with the biological processes in which these elements are involved.

Increased serum levels of cadmium are associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.

Previous studies have determined the effects of exposure to certain heavy metals on cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the association between cadmium exposure and CVD in adults remains unclear. The relationship between serum levels of cadmium and the risk of CVD was studied by analyzing available data from 38,223 different participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2016. After adjusting for all covariates, we found that higher serum cadmium concentrations were positively related to both the overall risk of CVD (odds ratio (OR): 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22, 1.72; p for trend <0.001) and the risks of its subtypes, including congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Elevated cadmium levels were associated with increased levels of lipids and inflammatory factors, including blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, white blood cells (WBCs), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Our study provided epidemiological evidence that cadmium may increase the risk of CVD by elevating blood lipids and inflammation.

Evaluating the Serum and Seminal Plasma Levels of Zinc and Cadmium in Smokers and Their Relation to the Semen Parameters

Cigarette smoking appears to have adverse effects of male reproductivity. The interplay between zinc and cadmium presumably plays a role in mediating toxic effects of smoking. This work was conducted to study serum and seminal plasma zinc and cadmium level in smokers compared to non-smokers. Seventy males were included: 35 smokers (group I) (smoking ˃20 cigarettes/day with mild smoking index <400) and 35 age-matched non-smokers (group II). Semen analysis was performed according to the WHO laboratory manual 2010. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to detect zinc and cadmium amounts in both blood plasma and semen of any groups. Smoker group showed significantly lower sperm density, motility (P=0.001), and sperm viability (P=0.002) and higher abnormally formed sperms. Seminal zinc level was significantly lower in smokers (P=0.038).There was significant negative correlation between seminal zinc and smoking index and significant positive correlation between seminal zinc levels and sperm motility (P=0.008) and viability percentage (P=0.001). Seminal cadmium level was significantly higher in smoker (P=0.022). Significant positive correlation between seminal cadmium and both age and smoking index (P=0.003) and significant negative correlation between seminal cadmium and sperm density (P=0.005), motility (P=0.047), and viability (P=0.039). Seminal zinc level was negatively correlated to seminal cadmium level (P=0.020). Smoking has deleterious effects on semen quality hence fertility through several toxicants and chemicals. Reduced zinc levels and elevated cadmium levels were evident in smokers which have significant role in the adverse effects on the semen parameters.

Growth and yield responses of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) accessions after exposure to cadmium

Little is known about soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) growth and yield responses to cadmium contamination of agricultural soil. Three levels of cadmium ecological screening values (2 CdCl2 ESV, 4 CdCl2 ESV and 6 CdCl2 ESV) were used to contaminate trial soils before sowing viable seeds from ten soybean accessions. The plants were monitored for growth, physiological characteristics and seed yield. Results showed significant growth impairment in G. max that was proportional to soil CdCl2 contamination levels. There was 30% yield reduction at CdCl2 2 ESV and < 50% yield reductions at 6 CdCl2 ESV. Accession TGm-941 had the highest yield in the control but showed a 40% yield reduction upon exposure to cadmium contamination. Morphologically, the shapes and outer appearance of some harvested soybean seeds were distorted, which is likely due to elevated cadmium levels in the soil. The mechanisms attributable to these changes are not known and require further investigation. Soybean is capable of tolerating low levels of cadmium contamination by maintaining growth and limited yield reduction but higher levels of contamination significantly reduced plant growth and yield.

The Correlation Between Heavy Metal Cadmium and the Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: This study aims to analyze the blood cadmium level and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general population and explore the correlation between blood cadmium levels and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: From February to December 2017, a multistage, random cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct this cross-sectional epidemiological survey of permanent residents aged &gt;18 years in Nanchang, Jiangxi province (including one urban area, Changdong district and one county, Jinxing county). Blood cadmium levels and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the population were analyzed, and the correlation between blood cadmium levels and the incidence of type 2 diabetes was analyzed. Results: The average blood cadmium content of the population in Nanchang (Changdong town, Jinxian county) was 2.91 ± 0.08 ug/L, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 9.2%. The average blood cadmium content of the population in Jinxian county was higher than that of the population of the Changdong district. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicate that high blood cadmium levels are a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Elevated levels of cadmium in human blood may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Hepato-protective effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extracts in cadmium- intoxicated rats

ObjectivesThe toxicity of cadmium in various animal models, in particular the liver, has been studied. The objective of this research was to determine the antioxidant and the hepatoprotective role of Pleurotus ostreatus (PE) extract in Cadmium-intoxicated rats. MethodsRats of the first group were used as control animals while rats of the second group were administered PE for 5 days. Animals of the third group were served as Cadmium intoxicated group and finally, rats of the fourth-group were treated orally with PE afterwards; cadmium was administered over 5 consecutive days. By using atomic absorption, the Cadmium concentration was measured in the liver. Hepatic histological changes were estimated through examination of stained tissue sections. The oxidative status in the liver was investigated through determining the concentration of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver homogenate. Finally the expression of Nrf2-mRNA was determined using real time PCR. ResultsCadmium induced major hepatic histopathological damage, elevated levels of cadmium, and hepatic oxidative stress where the concentration GSH, CAT, MDA and ROS were affected in the liver. Additionally, cadmium administration resulted in substantial up-regulation of Nrf2-mRNA expression. Moreover, PE attenuated the hepatic cadmium intoxication where it improved the histological impairments and the level of accumulated cadmium in liver tissue was decreased. Likewise, the treatment attenuated the oxidative stress and down-regulated the expression of Nrf2. ConclusionsOur results indicated that PE is associated with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and alleviated the hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride.