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 delves into the toxic effects of cadmium, focusing on its biochemical and molecular mechanisms. It outlines how cadmium disrupts various cellular functions, including the induction of oxidative stress, interference with calcium signaling, and epigenetic alterations. The paper highlights the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of cadmium, its accumulation in organs like the kidneys and bones, and the long-term health risks associated with exposure. The document emphasizes cadmium’s ability to cause damage at the cellular and tissue levels, which can lead to conditions such as kidney disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Regulatory measures are discussed, emphasizing the need for stricter controls on cadmium emissions and better monitoring of exposure through biomarker assessments like urinary cadmium levels.
Who is affected?
Cadmium exposure poses a risk to various groups, including individuals working in industries such as mining, battery manufacturing, and metal smelting, where cadmium is frequently released. These occupationally exposed populations are at a higher risk due to prolonged inhalation or dermal exposure to cadmium particles. The general public, especially those living in areas with significant industrial activity, is also at risk through contaminated food, water, and air. Populations consuming crops grown in cadmium-contaminated soil or seafood from polluted waters face significant exposure. Additionally, smoking further increases cadmium levels in the body, with second-hand smoke also contributing to exposure in non-smokers.
Most important findings
Cadmium exposure triggers a range of toxic effects, primarily through oxidative stress, which is a key mechanism behind its health impact. The document explains how cadmium disrupts cellular function by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging cellular macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. This leads to cellular dysfunction, apoptosis, and long-term diseases. It also details how cadmium alters key signaling pathways like MAPK, NF-κB, and p53, which are essential for cell survival, stress response, and apoptosis. Moreover, the paper discusses how cadmium induces epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can silence tumor suppressor genes and contribute to cancer development. The cumulative exposure to cadmium, particularly in occupational settings, poses serious health risks, with long-term exposure being linked to chronic diseases such as kidney dysfunction, bone diseases, and various cancers.
Key implications
For industry stakeholders, particularly those in sectors like mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, this review underscores the need for stringent regulations to control cadmium emissions and exposure levels. Companies should adopt best practices to minimize occupational exposure, such as implementing protective equipment and regular monitoring of cadmium levels in the workplace. From a public health perspective, this document highlights the importance of education on the risks of cadmium exposure and the need for public health initiatives to limit exposure, especially in communities near industrial areas. Additionally, regulatory bodies must enforce stricter cadmium emission standards, ensuring that levels in food, water, and air are within safe limits. Regular biomarker monitoring, such as urinary cadmium levels, can serve as a valuable tool for assessing long-term exposure and managing risks.
Citation
Qu, F., & Zheng, W. (2024). Cadmium Exposure: Mechanisms and Pathways of Toxicity and Implications for Human Health.Toxics, 12(6), 388. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060388
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.
