The role of well-known antioxidant vitamins in the prevention of cadmium-induced toxicity

Abstract

Long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) leads to the development of a number of conditions associated with liver and kidney damage, reproductive and cardiovascular disorders, in addition to visual impairment, blindness and hearing loss, among others. Cadmium has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The toxicity of Cd is related to its pro-oxidant properties and the associated increase in oxidative stress. Antioxidant ingredients may be helpful in preventing the adverse effects of Cd. The effect of well-known antioxidant vitamins (E, C, A and β-carotene) in the prevention of Cd-induced toxicity is presented in this study. Numerous studies in animal models have shown that the effects of vitamins: E, C, A, and β-carotene were effective in reducing Cd concentrations in organs and tissues and reduced Cd-induced changes in liver, kidney, and reproductive, circulatory, nervous, immune, and respiratory systems. In contrast, the limited number of human studies does not allow to accurately determine the role of these nutrients in reducing Cd-induced toxicity, indicating the need for further studies clarifying the role of antioxidant vitamins in reducing Cd-induced toxicity. However, it seems reasonable to promote the consumption of natural food products that are sources of antioxidant vitamins in groups of people with occupational and environmental exposure to Cd. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(4)

Paternal genetic effects of cadmium exposure during pregnancy on hormone synthesis disorders in ovarian granulosa cells of offspring

“…Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin, nutraceutical supplementation may play an important role in women ‘s health [ 47 , 48 ]. Indeed, it has long been shown that vitamins E, C and A and β-carotene are effective in reducing Cd concentrations in organs and tissues and reducing Cd-induced toxic effects, including reproductive toxicity [ 49 ]. In addition, Cd-induced gonadal injury in male rats has also been reported to be relieved by supplementation with nutrients such as vitamins and carotenoids [ 50 – 52 ].…”

Multilevel Regulation of Membrane Proteins in Response to Metal and Metalloid Stress: A Lesson from Yeast

“…Prevention and treatment methods depend on cadmium chelating agents, such as Ca-EDTA [268], meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), and its lipophilic alkyl monoester MiADMSA [269,270]. Moreover, antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, as well as selenium, zinc, and magnesium supplementation, have been proven to detoxify cadmium [271].…”

Biological Effects of Human Exposure to Environmental Cadmium

“…In addition, several studies in animal models showed that vitamins A, C, E are able to decrease the toxic effects of Cd in the kidney, liver, spleen, blood, bones, and brain. However, further human studies are needed to clarify the role of these antioxidant vitamins in reducing Cd-induced toxicity [118].…”