Toxicity Tolerance in the Carcinogenesis of Environmental Cadmium

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant of worldwide public health significance. Diet is the main non-workplace Cd exposure source other than passive and active smoking. The intestinal absorption of Cd involves transporters for essential metals, notably iron and zinc. These transporters determine the Cd body burden because only a minuscule amount of Cd can be excreted each day. The International Agency for Research on Cancer listed Cd as a human lung carcinogen, but the current evidence suggests that the effects of Cd on cancer risk extend beyond the lung. A two-year bioassay demonstrated that Cd caused neoplasms in multiple tissues of mice. Also, several non-tumorigenic human cells transformed to malignant cells when they were exposed to a sublethal dose of Cd for a prolonged time. Cd does not directly damage DNA, but it influences gene expression through interactions with essential metals and various proteins. The present review highlights the epidemiological studies that connect an enhanced risk of various neoplastic diseases to chronic exposure to environmental Cd. Special emphasis is given to the impact of body iron stores on the absorption of Cd, and its implications for breast cancer prevention in highly susceptible groups of women. Resistance to cell death and other cancer phenotypes acquired during Cd-induced cancer cell transformation, under in vitro conditions, are briefly discussed. The potential role for the ZnT1 efflux transporter in the cellular acquisition of tolerance to Cd cytotoxicity is highlighted.

Association of blood cadmium levels with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A prospective cohort study

“…Previous studies have shown controversial results regarding the association between Cd exposure and cancer risk [50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. A recent review summarizing epidemiological and laboratory ndings showed that Cd is a multi-organ carcinogen, with its exposure linked to tumors in the lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and breasts, as well as the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma [57]. Our study on the NAFLD population con rmed a positive correlation between blood Cd levels and cancer mortality.…”

Carcinogenic Risk from Lead and Cadmium Contaminating Cow Milk and Soya Beverage Brands Available in the Portuguese Market

“…Cadmium (Cd) is a proven human carcinogen, being, therefore, categorized in group I by the IARC [ 20 ] Occupational or environmental Cd exposure has been related to lung, breast, prostate, pancreas, urinary bladder, and nasopharynx cancers. Several other reports have suggested that Cd may also be involved with malignancies of the liver, hematopoietic system stomach cancer, and breast cancer [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Study on Adsorption of Cd in Solution and Soil by Modified Biochar–Calcium Alginate Hydrogel

“…Unlike other pollutants, heavy metals are prone to accumulation in organisms and do not have biodegradability, ultimately leading to disease or death [ 2 ]. Cd is a harmful element to the human body and a non-essential element for plants [ 3 , 4 ]. It is easy to transfer and has strong toxicity.…”