Analysis of Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead Concentrations in Erythrocytes of Renal Transplant Recipients from Northwestern Poland

Overexpression of Lias Gene Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury in Mice Involving Multiple Effects: Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

Oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, there are significant differences of the antioxidant baseline in different populations. This means that different human has different intensity of oxidative stress in vivo after exposure to toxicants. LiasH/H mouse is a specific model which is created by genetically modifying the Lias 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). LiasH/H mice express high levels of LA and have high endogenous antioxidant capacity which is approximately 150% higher than wild-type C57BL/6 J mice (WT, Lias+/+). But more importantly, they have dual roles of metal chelator and antioxidant. Here, we applied this mouse model to evaluate the effect of endogenous antioxidant levels in the body on alleviating Cd-induced renal injury including Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the experiment, mice drank water containing Cd (50 mg/L), for 12 weeks. Many biomarkers of Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and major pathological changes in the kidney were examined. The results showed overexpression of the Lias gene decreased Cd burden in the body of mice, mitigated oxidative stress, attenuated the inflammatory response, and subsequent alleviated cadmium-induced kidney injury in mice.

Characteristic features of toxic metal content in hair samples of foreign students at RUDN University from different geographic regions

BACKGROUND

This study explores the regional variations in toxic metal accumulation among RUDN University students from various global regions.

METHODS

This comparative analysis examined hair samples from students hailing from different regions, including Russia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The concentrations of Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Tin (Sn) were measured in the hair samples. The data was then evaluated using regression models to assess the link between the region of residence and toxic metal content in the hair.

RESULTS

The analysis indicated significant regional variations in the levels of toxic metals in the students' hair. The highest content of Al, Cd, and Pb was observed in students from Africa (13.542, 0.028, 0.794 µg/g) and Latin America (9.947, 0.025, 0.435 µg/g). Arsenic levels in students from all regions exceeded that of Russian students by over two-fold. No substantial group differences were found in the Sn content. The regression models suggested that residing in Asia, Africa, and Latin America was a predictor of high Hg levels in hair (0.130, 0.096, 0.227 µg/g). Living in Africa was significantly associated with higher Pb levels (0.794 µg/g), and living in Latin America was close to significantly associated with the Cd level in the hair (0.025 µg/g).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed an increased accumulation of toxic metals, especially Hg, Cd, and Pb, in students primarily from Latin America and Africa. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding the regional variations in toxic metal accumulation to address associated health risks and the potential impact on students' well-being and academic performance. These insights may guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce exposure to toxic metals in students from various regions around the world.

Sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in different biological matrices in athletes. Relationship with iron status

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in plasma, urine, platelets and erythrocytes and to relate these concentrations to biomarkers of iron status.

METHODS

A total of 138 soccer players divided according to sex: men (n = 68) and women (n = 70) participated in the present study. All participants resided in the city of Cáceres (Spain). Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, platelet, plateletcrit, ferritin and serum iron values were determined. Cadmium and lead concentrations were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The women had lower haemoglobin, erythrocyte, ferritin and serum iron values (p < 0.01). Regarding cadmium, the women showed higher concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). As for lead, they also showed higher concentrations in plasma, relative values of erythrocytes and relative values of platelets (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between cadmium and lead concentrations with biomarkers of iron status.

CONCLUSIONS

Cadmium and lead concentrations are different between sexes. Biological differences between sexes and iron status could influence cadmium and lead concentrations. Lower serum iron concentrations and markers of Fe status increase Cd and Pb concentrations. Ferritin and serum iron have been directly related to increased Cd and Pb excretion.