Low-level Cadmium Research Articles

Association of low-level heavy metal exposure with risk of chronic kidney disease and long-term mortality.

While the nephrotoxicity of lead and cadmium is well-established, the impact of low-level exposure on risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and long-term health outcomes, especially in CKD patients, remains unclear. This study examines the association between low-level lead and cadmium exposure with risks of CKD and long-term mortality. We analyzed data from adult participants of 2003-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Elevated blood lead (≥ 1.5 μg/dL) and cadmium (≥ 0.4 μg/L) levels were assessed for their associations with CKD and all-cause mortality, with survival tracked until December 31, 2019. Among the 24,810 participants (mean age 44.4 years, 48.9% male), 1,309 (3.9%) had CKD. Lead and cadmium levels were significantly higher in participants with CKD compared to those without. Elevated lead (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15-1.74) and cadmium (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03-1.46) levels were both associated with increased CKD risk, with the highest risk in those with both lead ≥ 1.5 μg/dL and cadmium ≥ 0.4 μg/L (OR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.27-2.14). During a median follow-up of 141 months, 2,255 participants died (7.0 per 10,000 person-months). Elevated cadmium was associated with higher mortality risk in CKD (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07-1.88) and non-CKD populations (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.24-1.58), while lead levels were not significantly associated with mortality in either group. Participants with both elevated lead and cadmium had a significantly higher mortality risk (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13-1.54). Low-level cadmium and lead exposure are linked to increased CKD risk, with cadmium also associated with higher long-term mortality in both CKD and non-CKD populations. These findings highlight the need for public health efforts to reduce exposure and further research on long-term impacts.

The NOAEL equivalent for the cumulative body burden of cadmium: focus on proteinuria as an endpoint

The risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), signified by a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been linked to long-term exposure to low levels of the metal pollutant cadmium (Cd). Proteinuria is a hallmark of CKD and predicts continued progressive functional decline of the kidney. The aim of this study was to use the extent of proteinuria for Cd health risk assessment. Data were from 405 apparently healthy Thai nationals, of whom 12.6% had an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR), and 16.3% and 13.5% had moderate and severe proteinuria. Urinary excretion of Cd (ECd) and urinary total protein (Epro) were measured and normalized to both creatinine clearance (Ccr) and creatinine excretion (Ecr). We found that the risk of having a low eGFR [prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 12.2, P &lt; 0.001] and severe proteinuria [POR = 10.4, P = 0.001) were increased markedly for every ten-fold increase in ECd/Ccr. However, when ECd was normalized to Ecr, the association between eGFR and ECd was found to be insignificant due to non-differential errors introduced by the Ecr-normalization. Respective benchmark dose limit (BMDL) values of ECd/Ecr that increased protein excretion by 5% and 10% were 0.0536 and 0.1140 µg/g creatinine. The ECd/Ecr at which 5% of the population had Cd-related proteinuria was 1.86 µg/g creatinine, respectively. For the first time, a urinary Cd excretion rate of 0.0536 µg/g creatinine has been derived as a Cd exposure level that produces negligible kidney damage.

Transcriptomic and behavioral analyses reveal unique target tissues and molecular pathways associated with embryonic exposure to low level glyphosate and metal mixtures in zebrafish

Investigation of developmental molecular events following exposure to environmentally relevant agrochemical mixtures is critical to predicting their potential long-term ecological and human health risks. Here, we sought to uncover transcriptomic changes during zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryonic development following exposure to glyphosate and co-exposure to metals. Glyphosate is widely used globally with an allowable drinking water limit of 700 ppb. We examined effects of glyphosate (10 ppb) alone and when co-exposed to a metal mixture containing low levels of arsenic (4 ppb), lead (5 ppb), cadmium (2 ppb), and vanadium (15 ppb). This mixture was derived based on behavioral and morphological toxicity findings and environmentally relevant concentrations found in agricultural regions where glyphosate and metals are ubiquitously present. Gene expression patterns coupled to a single-cell transcriptomic dataset revealed that developmental exposure (28–72 h post fertilization) to glyphosate dysregulates expression of developmental genes specific to the central nervous system. Subsequent studies indicated significant suppression of larval zebrafish movement with 10 ppb glyphosate exposure. Studies with glyphosate + metals mixture and metals mixture alone showed unique developmental transcriptomic patterns and behavioral changes compared to glyphosate exposure alone. However, some outcomes (e.g., changes in expression of genes involved in epigenetic regulation and extracellular matrix patterning) were common across all three exposures compared to the control. Notably, glyphosate + metals co-exposure distinctly suppresses lysosomal transcripts and targets renal developmental genes. While further studies are required to uncover the precise nature of the interactions between glyphosate and metals, our study shows that glyphosate at very low levels is a behavioral and neurotoxicant that changes when metals are present. Given this herbicide affects distinctive physiological processes, including renal development and lysosomal dysregulation when co-exposed with metals, we conclude that environmental cation levels should be considered in glyphosate toxicity and risk assessment.

Changes in the level of trace elements in the rat brain after exposure to low doses of cadmium

Cadmium is one of the most common toxic elements. Due to its great chemical similarity to calcium, copper and zinc, it can replace them. Food is the main route of cadmium intake into the human body. There are very few studies on the effect of low doses of cadmium on the metabolism of trace elements, so it is of interest to study the effects of exposure to low levels of cadmium in brain tissues.&#x0D; The study aims to evaluate the accumulation of cadmium in the brain of experimental animals and its effect on the level of trace elements.&#x0D; We have divided the animals into four groups (n=10): the first group served as a control, groups two, three and four, received one, ten and 100 micrograms of cadmium per kg of body weight (Cd1, Cd10, Cd100), respectively, for 30, 60 and 90 days. The researchers injected cadmium chloride solution daily through a gastric tube. The content of cadmium, calcium, copper and zinc in the brain was assessed using atomic absorption analysis.&#x0D; The results of this study showed that cadmium chloride intoxication did not lead to metal accumulation in the brain in the Cd1 and Cd10 groups, and the value of cadmium concentration in the Cd100 group did not depend on the time of exposure. The researchers have observed statistically significant changes in zinc and copper concentrations after three months of exposure to cadmium. The zinc content increased depending on the dose, and the copper content decreased.&#x0D; Exposure to cadmium for three months in small doses does not lead to significant accumulation in the brain, but causes an imbalance of essential elements such as calcium, zinc and copper.&#x0D; Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experiments or Other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123), Directive 2010/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union dated 09/22/2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology.

Unveiling the underwater threat: Exploring cadmium's adverse effects on tilapia

Prolonged exposure to environmentally relevant amounts of cadmium (Cd) in aquatic environments, even at small doses (0.1 and 1 μg/L), might endanger the health of underwater creatures. This research delved into the impacts of a four-month cadmium exposure on Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind it. Through close examination, we found that the 4-momth cadmium exposure led to harmful effects on the fish's gills, muscles, brain, and intestines. This exposure also triggered changes in gene expressions in the brain and liver, affected the respiratory system and weakened liver's ability to detoxify and defend against potential infections. Looking deeper into the fish's gut, we noticed alterations in energy-related genes and disruptions in immune pathways, making it more susceptible to illnesses. The exposure to cadmium also had an impact on the fish's gut and water-dwelling microorganisms, reducing diversity and encouraging harmful microbial communities. Interestingly, some gut microbes seemed to assist in breaking down and detoxifying cadmium, which could potentially protect the fish. Taken together, prolonged low-level cadmium exposure impaired gill, muscle, and brain function, suppressed immunity, disrupted intestines, and altered microbial balance, leading to hindered growth. These insights illuminate cadmium's impact on fish, addressing vital environmental concerns.

Air nanobubble water improves plant uptake and tolerance toward cadmium in phytoremediation

Heavy metal contamination continues to be a persistent environmental problem. To address this issue, this study evaluated the impact of air nanobubbles (NBs) in water on the uptake of heavy metals by Alternanthera philoxeroides (A. philoxeroides), a common aquatic plant in China known for its rapid growth, strong vitality, and high capacity for heavy metal remediation. This study found that diluted air NBs (25% concentration) boosted cadmium uptake of A. philoxeroides by 17.39%. They also enhanced plant growth (25–50%) and photosynthetic pigments (10–20%) even at low cadmium levels (0.1 mM). Furthermore, the incorporation of 25% air NBs has been demonstrated to significantly amplify the performance of key antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, alongside heightened levels of crucial antioxidants such as malondialdehyde. This heightened activity of antioxidant defenses offers a compelling explanation for the potential amelioration of cadmium toxicity and concurrent enhancements in overall plant growth rates. Notably, a comprehensive analysis utilizing the excitation emission matrix–parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) technique has revealed alterations in the composition of rhizosphere dissolved organic matter due to the presence of NBs. This ncomposition change of the rhizosphere dissolved organic mattermposition has subsequently exerted an influence on plant complexation processes and the subsequent uptake of cadmium. This study demonstrates that the strategic implementation of air NBs in water systems holds the potential to significantly enhance the plant's ability to detoxify cadmium and improve the uptake of heavy metals during phytoremediation processes.

Cognitive outcomes caused by low-level lead, cadmium, and mercury mixture exposure at distinct phases of brain development.

Contaminated water and food are the main sources of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the human body. Long-term and low-level ingestion of these toxic heavy metals may affect brain development and cognition. However, the neurotoxic effects of exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury mixture (Pb+Cd+Hg) at different stages of brain development are rarely elucidated. In this study, different doses of low-level Pb+Cd+Hg were administered to Sprague-Dawley rats via drinking water during the critical stage of brain development, late stage, and after maturation, respectively. Our findings showed that Pb+Cd+Hg exposure decreased the density of memory- and learning-related dendritic spines in the hippocampus during the critical period of brain development, resulting in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory deficits. Only the density of learning-related dendritic spines was reduced during the late phase of brain development and a higher-dose of Pb+Cd+Hg exposure was required, which led to hippocampus-independent spatial memory abnormalities. Exposure to Pb+Cd+Hg after brain maturation revealed no significant change in dendritic spines or cognitive function. Further molecular analysis indicated that morphological and functional changes caused by Pb+Cd+Hg exposure during the critical phase were associated with PSD95 and GluA1 dysregulation. Collectively, the effects of Pb+Cd+Hg on cognition varied depending on the brain development stages.

Analisis Kadar Kadmium (Cd) dalam Bawang Merah Lokal Palu (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) pada Berbagai Lokasi dan Umur Tanam

The local Palu shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) plant is one of the leading products in the Central Sulawesi region. Shallots can experience a decrease in quality if they are contaminated with heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) in amounts that exceed the threshold. This study aims to determine the effect of planting age on cadmium levels in local Palu shallots cultivated in Oloboju Village and Solove Village, Biromaru District, Sigi Regency. The research variables used were the planting age which consisted of 4 levels (age 40, 50, 60, and 70 days), and the planting location which consisted of 2 levels (Solove Village and Oloboju Village). Cd levels were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Cadmium levels in shallot roots at two planting locations decreased with increasing planting age, from 101.34 - 107.18 mg/kg at 40 days of age to 1.68-3.78 mg/kg at 70 days of age. Shallot bulbs at two locations had lower cadmium levels than roots, namely 0.01-0.04 mg/kg. The results of the study found that planting time had a significant effect on cadmium levels in the roots of shallots, but planting age and planting location had no significant effect on cadmium levels in local Palu shallot bulbs with levels that met the SNI (Indonesian national standard) quality requirements

Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in two novel nicotine pouch products in comparison with regular smokeless tobacco products and pharmaceutical nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs)

BackgroundTobacco-free nicotine pouches is a novel category of oral nicotine-delivery products. Among current tobacco users such pouches may serve as a low-risk alternative to cigarettes or conventional, tobacco-based oral products e.g., snus and moist snuff. In the United States (U.S.), the market leading nicotine-pouch brand is ZYN®. However, no data on the chemical characteristics of ZYN have been published.MethodsWe screened for 43 compounds potentially present in tobacco products in seven oral nicotine-delivery products: ZYN (dry and moist), snus (General®), moist snuff (CRP2.1 and Grizzly Pouches Wintergreen), and two pharmaceutical, nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs, Nicorette® lozenge and Nicotinell® gum). Thirty-six of the tested compounds are classified as harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) by the Center for Tobacco Products at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-CTP). Five additional compounds were included to cover the GOTHIATEK® product standard for Swedish snus and the last two compounds were chosen to include the four primary tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).ResultsThe tested products contained nicotine at varying levels. The two ZYN products contained no nitrosamines or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) but low levels of ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel. In the NRT products we quantified low levels of acetaldehyde, ammonia, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, uranium-235, and uranium-238. The largest number (27) and generally the highest levels of HPHCs were quantified in the moist snuff products. For example, they contained six out of seven tested PAHs, and seven out of ten nitrosamines (including NNN and NNK). A total of 19 compounds, none of which were PAHs, were quantified at low levels in the snus product. NNN and NNK levels were five to 12-fold lower in snus compared to the moist snuff products.ConclusionsNo nitrosamines or PAHs were quantified in the ZYN and NRT products. Overall, the number of quantified HPHCs were similar between ZYN and NRT products and found at low levels.

Assessment of selected metals (chromium, lead and cadmium) in the hair of tannery workers at Hemayetpur, Bangladesh

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to measure the concentrations of chromium (III) (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the scalp hair of tannery workers. It also sought to establish a correlation between the levels of these metals and the length of time the workers had been employed. High level of exposures of these metals are associated with several diseases. MethodsHuman hair samples from 18 tannery workers at Hemayetpur, Savar, Bangladesh, were collected and evaluated for metals (Cr, Pb, and Cd) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (AAS). ResultsThe findings showed that the concentrations of chromium (III) (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in hair samples from tannery workers were ranged between 0.25 to 19.85 mg kg−1 (average value 6.254 mg kg−1), 0.50 to 9.25 mg kg−1 (average value 3.873 mg kg−1), and 0.025 to 0.20 mg kg−1 (average value 0.044 mg kg−1), respectively. ConclusionIn comparison to the allowable limits, there were appreciably high levels of chromium and lead, and low levels of cadmium. A positive correlation was also obtained between Cr-Cd pair from Pearson's correlation study. The results of the investigation suggest that the tannery workers had very high levels of chromium in their hair samples that indicated their hazardous working circumstances induced to their numerous illnesses, including high blood pressure, skin infections, and respiratory disorders.

Possible Combined Effects of Plasma Folate Levels, Global DNA Methylation, and Blood Cadmium Concentrations on Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Epigenetic effects of environmental pollutants may be related to carcinogenesis. This study aimed to explore the association between the global DNA methylation marker: 5-methyl-2-deoxycytidine (5mdC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and further investigated whether plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels and 5mdC modified the association between blood cadmium concentrations and RCC. We recruited 174 RCC patients and 673 non-RCC controls. Blood cadmium concentrations, plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured. The amount of 5mdC in the DNA sample was expressed as percentages of the total cytosine content. An increase of 5mdC (%) and plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels were associated with decreasing odds ratio (OR) of RCC. Although plasma folate levels were not directly associated with 5mdC (%), a combined effect was observed with the odds of low plasma folate levels and low 5mdC (%) were greater among RCC patients compared to controls (OR (95% confidence interval, CI) = 11.86 (5.27-26.65)). Additionally, we observed that the odds of low plasma folate and high blood cadmium levels were greater among RCC patients than in controls (OR (95% CI): 8.15 (1.39-7.13)). This study provides suggestive evidence that plasma folate levels may modify the associations between 5mdC (%) or blood cadmium concentrations and RCC.

Low-level cadmium exposure induced hormesis in peppermint young plant by constantly activating antioxidant activity based on physiological and transcriptomic analyses.

As one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, cadmium (Cd) has lastingly been considered to have negative influences on plant growth and productivity. Recently, increasing studies have shown that low level of Cd exposure could induce hormetic effect which benefits to plants. However, the underlying mechanisms of Cd-triggered hormesis are poorly understood. In this study, we found that Cd stress treatment showed a hormetic effect on peppermint and Cd treatment with 1.6 mg L-1 concertation manifested best stimulative effects. To explore the hormesis mechanisms of Cd treatment, comparative transcriptome analysis of peppermint young plants under low (1.6 mg L-1) and high (6.5 mg L-1) level of Cd exposure at 0h, 24h and 72h were conducted. Twelve of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for qRT-PCR validation, and the expression results confirmed the credibility of transcriptome data. KEGG analysis of DEGs showed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis were important under both low and high level of Cd treatments. Interestingly, GO and KEGG analysis of 99 DEGs specifically induced by low level of Cd treatment at 72h indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in the pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and their functions were associated with antioxidant activity. The expression pattern of those genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and encoding antioxidant enzymes during 72h of Cd exposure showed that low level of Cd treatment induced a continuation in the upward trend but high level of Cd treatment caused an inverted V-shape. The changes of physiological parameters during Cd exposure were highly consistent with gene expression pattern. These results strongly demonstrate that low level of Cd exposure constantly enhanced antioxidant activity of peppermint to avoid oxidative damages caused by Cd ion, while high level of Cd stress just induced a temporary increase in antioxidant activity which was insufficient to cope with lasting Cd toxicity. Overall, the results presented in this study shed a light on the underlying mechanisms of the Cd-mediated hormesis in plant. Moreover, our study provided a safe method for the efficient utilization of mild Cd-contaminated soil as peppermint is an important cash plant.

Low levels of arsenic and cadmium in rice grown in southern Florida Histosols - Impacts of water management and soil thickness

Rice is planted as a rotation crop in the sugarcane-dominant Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in southern Florida. The Histosols in this area are unlike other mineral soils used to grow rice due to the high organic content and land subsidence caused by rapid oxidation of organic matter upon drainage. It remains unknown if such soils pose a risk of arsenic (As) or cadmium (Cd) mobilization and uptake into rice grain. Both As and Cd are carcinogenic trace elements of concern in rice, and it is important to understand their soil-plant transfer into rice, a staple food of global importance. Here, a mesocosm pot study was conducted using two thicknesses of local soil, deep (D, 50 cm) and shallow (S, 25 cm), under three water managements, conventional flooding (FL), low water table (LWT), and alternating wetting and drying (AWD). Rice was grown to maturity and plant levels of As and Cd were determined. Regardless of treatments, rice grown in these Florida Histolsols has very low Cd concentrations in polished grain (1.5–5.6 μg kg−1) and relatively low total As (35–150 μg kg−1) and inorganic As (35–87 μg kg−1) concentrations in polished grain, which are below regulatory limits. This may be due to the low soil As and Cd levels, high soil cation exchange capacity due to high soil organic matter content, and slightly alkaline soil pH. Grain As was significantly affected by water management (AWD < FL = LWT) and its interaction effect with soil thickness (AWD-D ≤ AWD-S ≤ FL-D = LWT-S = LWT-D ≤ FL-S), resulting in as much as 62 % difference among treatments. Grain Cd was significantly affected by water management (AWD > FL > LWT) without any soil thickness impact. In conclusion, even though water management has more of an impact on rice As and Cd than soil thickness, the low concentrations of As and Cd in rice pose little health risk for consumers.

Low-level cadmium alleviates the disturbance of doxycycline on nitrogen removal and N2O emissions in ditch wetlands by altering microbial community and enzymatic activity

Excessive use of feed additives and chemical fertilizers leads to the accumulation of antibiotics and heavy metals in water environments. Studies have reported the toxicity of combined pollutants on the performance and microbial community in sequencing batch reactors. However, the influence of combined pollutants on nitrogen removal in wetlands remains unclear. Here, an 84 d exposure experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) and doxycycline (DC) on nitrogen metabolism in ecological ditches using metagenomic analysis. The results showed that adding 50 mg L−1 DC at 5 mg L−1 Cd stress deteriorated nitrogen removal performance and significantly increased N2O emissions and lactate dehydrogenase release. However, a low level of Cd (0.5 mg L−1) significantly reduced N2O emissions under the high DC concentration pressure (50 mg L−1). The increasing Cd concentration markedly weakened the inhibition of DC (1 mg L−1) on the relative abundances of the dominant genera. Moreover, high concentrations of mixed Cd/DC showed stronger inhibitory effects on glucokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase. NADH had a higher tolerance to mixed Cd/DC than ATP. However, low levels of mixed Cd/DC led to a higher abundance of key denitrifying enzymes and genes. The assimilatory nitrate reduction pathway increased under the mixture of Cd/DC stress, accompanied by an increase in ferredoxin-nitrite/nitrate reductase and the abundance of nasA and nirA genes. Our results indicate that the presence of low-level Cd could alleviate the impact of DC on nitrogen removal and N2O emissions in ecological ditches by altering microbial community and enzymatic activity associated with transport, metabolism, and gene expression. However, the increasing Cd concentration at DC stress could intensify the combined toxicity. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the ecological toxicity of emerging combined pollutants and their impact on biological nitrogen transformation in wastewater treatment systems.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Traditional Raw Milk Cheeses Manufactured on a Small Scale by Polish Dairy Farms.

Polish raw milk artisanal cheese may pose a threat to consumer safety due to pathogen presence. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological safety, quality and physicochemical composition of cow’s and goat’s milk fresh cheeses produced by farmers on a small scale. A total of 62 samples of six cheese types were analyzed for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., lactic acid bacteria and coliform presence and concentration levels. The physicochemical analysis estimated energy, water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash and salt content. The cheeses were also tested for heavy metal contamination. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were not detected in any of the samples. Coliforms were present in all the goat’s milk cheeses and only in two of the cow’s milk cheeses. Low levels of cadmium, below 0.008 ppm, were detected in three of the cows’ milk samples. The raw milk cheeses studied were free of the pathogens examined and were of high nutritional value.

Association of selenium and cadmium with heart failure and mortality based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The association of selenium and cadmium with heart failure and mortality has not been thoroughly explored. We analysed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database over 12 years (1999-2000, 2003-2004 and 2011-2018), which includes blood selenium and cadmium. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used. In total, 15,689 participants were enrolled. The multivariate analysis showed that low blood selenium (odds ratio [OR] = 0.952, p < 0.001) and high blood cadmium (OR = 1.345, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors of heart failure. During 96802 person-year follow-up, 1697 deaths occurred. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.95) for middle selenium levels and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.65-0.88) for high selenium levels compared to low selenium levels. Taking the low cadmium levels as reference, the multivariable adjusted HR for all-cause mortality among high cadmium levels was 1.68 (95% CI = 1.44-1.96). Furthermore, the association between selenium, cadmium and cardiovascular mortality was similar to that of all-cause mortality. A subgroup analysis of the study population showed that in individuals with heart failure, although selenium levels were not associated with risk of all-cause mortality, high selenium levels were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.33, p = 0.0032). Low blood selenium and high blood cadmium were independent risk factors of heart failure. Blood selenium was inversely associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, whereas blood cadmium was positively associated with them. Furthermore, blood selenium was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality in individuals with heart failure.

Association of paternal cadmium and other heavy metal exposure to birth outcomes using propensity score matching.

BackgroundHuman exposure to cadmium has various effects on health, especially on male reproductive organs. Although it is widely known that prenatal maternal cadmium exposure can affect birth outcomes, the effect of paternal exposure to cadmium remains unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on fetal growth by considering maternal cadmium exposure and exposure to other heavy metals, namely mercury and lead. MethodsThe Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study is a prospective birth cohort study in Korea. Overall, 1313 families (father-mother-child triple) without child abnormalities and who completed paternal whole blood cadmium assessments were included in this study. Families were divided into two subgroups based on the blood sampling periods, namely early and late pregnancy. Subjects were selected as follows: one family triple with a high level of paternal cadmium and two triples with low levels of paternal cadmium, using the method of propensity score matching. And linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsThe group with high paternal cadmium exposure (80% or more; 1.93 μg/L) had lower birth weight infants compared to the group with low cadmium concentrations (β(se) = −0.21(0.10); p-value = 0.0283). After stratification by infant sex, prenatal paternal cadmium exposure significantly reduced the birth weight of females in subgroups of different sampling times, namely early pregnancy (β(se) = −0.52 (0.22); p-value = 0.0170) and late pregnancy (β(se) = −0.43 (0.18); p-value = 0.0160). Finally, after performing propensity score matching in the early pregnancy measurement group, it was found that the prenatal exposure of father to cadmium significantly reduced birth weight in females (β(se) = −0.72(0.25); p-value = 0.0047). ConclusionThis study assessed the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on birth outcomes in family units consisting of a father, mother, and child. Prenatal paternal cadmium exposure negatively affected birth weight, especially that of female, considering covariates and other heavy metals exposure, namely mercury and lead.

Exposure to lead and cadmium is associated with fasting plasma glucose and type 2 diabetes in Chinese adults.

Exposure to lead and cadmium has been associated with type 2 diabetes, but the results are largely inconsistent, and little is known about their joint effect. We aimed to investigate the associations of lead and cadmium co-exposure with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and type 2 diabetes. The study included 5732 participants aged ≥18years from 16 communities in East China. Blood levels of lead and cadmium were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the associations of lead and cadmium alone or in combination with FPG and diabetes. The median (interquartile range) values of blood lead and cadmium were 40.0 (26.8-57.9) and 1.70 (0.56-3.60)μg/L, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, blood lead levels were positively associated with FPG (difference comparing extreme lead quartiles=0.11 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.20]mmol/L) and prevalent diabetes (odds ratio [OR]=1.35 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.78]). The association between lead and diabetes was observed among participants with high cadmium, but not among those with low cadmium (P for interaction=0.03). In the joint analysis, compared with participants with low levels of blood lead and cadmium, participants with high levels of two metals had a 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.25) mmol/L increase in FPG and a 51% (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.99) increase in odds of diabetes. Our findings suggest that lead and cadmium co-exposure is significantly associated with elevated FPG and type 2 diabetes in the general population.

Low-level cadmium exposure and atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries: results from the Swedish population-based cohort SCAPIS

Low-level cadmium exposure and atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries: results from the Swedish population-based cohort SCAPIS

Does low-level cadmium exposure affect cognitive functions? Results from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study

Does low-level cadmium exposure affect cognitive functions? Results from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study