Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review focuses on the harmful effects of cadmium exposure on bone health, particularly how cadmium disrupts bone remodeling. The paper delves into the mechanisms of cadmium-induced bone damage by examining the critical balance between osteoclasts (OCs), which resorb bone, and osteoblasts (OBs), which form new bone. Cadmium exposure impairs osteoblast differentiation and promotes excessive osteoclast activation, resulting in diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. The review highlights the complex cellular interactions and signals, including the disruption of the RANKL/OPG axis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, all contributing to bone toxicity.
Who is affected?
This research affects various populations, especially those exposed to cadmium through environmental contamination or industrial activities. Specifically, wildlife, livestock, and humans in areas with high cadmium pollution may suffer from bone health deterioration. Populations at greater risk include the elderly, smokers, and those with pre-existing bone conditions or poor nutritional status. It also applies to food safety professionals, environmental health experts, and animal health researchers, all of whom must consider cadmium exposure’s effects on bone health.
Most important findings
The most critical finding from this review is the detailed understanding of how cadmium affects osteoclast and osteoblast activity, leading to bone loss. Cadmium promotes osteoclast formation by altering the RANKL/OPG balance and increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, cadmium directly impairs osteoblast differentiation, function, and survival, especially through mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. The disruption of osteoclast-osteoblast communication, which is essential for bone remodeling, leads to increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. The review also emphasizes the potential therapeutic interventions, including antioxidants and anti-resorptives like bisphosphonates, to counteract cadmium’s effects.
Key implications
The findings of this review have significant implications for both public health and food safety. For food manufacturers and certifiers, the review highlights the need for stricter controls on cadmium levels in food products, especially in crops that tend to absorb cadmium, such as rice and vegetables. Public health policies should focus on reducing environmental cadmium exposure, especially in communities with high industrial activity. The study also informs ecological risk assessments for wildlife, pointing to the importance of regulating cadmium contamination in natural ecosystems. In light of these findings, regulations surrounding cadmium levels in food, water, and air need to be strengthened to prevent the long-term health consequences of bone toxicity.
Citation
He, S., & Zhang, K. (2025). Cadmium-Induced Bone Toxicity: Deciphering the Osteoclast–Osteoblast Crosstalk. Biology, 14(8), 1051. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081051
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
