Cadmium teratogenic effects

Several studies indicate that different methods cause adverse effects to embryonic and fetal tissues and eventually lead to the development of teratogenic effects. Metals are omnipresent in the living environment. A variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g., smelting metallic ore, industrial and metal fabrication, commercial application, burning of fossil fuels) have caused adverse effects to the developing fetus. In fact, notorious elements, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury, have been associated with injury and malformation to the growing embryo and fetus of animals and humans.65... 

Because of its nephrotoxicity causing the Itai-Itai disease in humans, its teratogenic effects, its interactions with iron, copper and zinc, and its potentially existing can-cerogenic effects, cadmium (Cd) belongs to... 

As with the mutagenic and carcinogenic action of metals, the teratogenic effects can be modified by additional influences. For example, the teratogenicity of cadmium in mice was decreased by bismuth-induced metallothionein (Naruse and Hayashi... 

Teratogenic effects and distribution of cadmium (Cd2-t-) administered via osmotic minipumps to gravid CF-1 mice. Toxicol Lett 76 195-202. 

The earlierst reports of the carcinogenic effect of cadmium on man are from 1965 [91]. In workers exposed to the dust, carcinomas of the prostate and malignant processes in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver and lung were observed [92, 93]. Teratogenic effects are also reported for certain cadmium compounds (cadmium chloride, cadmium sulphate) [94]. 

Hurley LS, Gowan J, Swenerton H (1971) Teratogenic effects of short-term and transitory zinc deficiency in rats. Teratology 4 199-204 Karin M, Slater EP, Herschman HR (1981) Regulation of metallothionein synthesis in HeLa cells by heavy metals and glucocorticoids. J Cell Physiol 106 63-74 Karp B, Robertson AF (1981) Cadmium, the placenta, and the infant. In Nriagu JO (ed) Cadmium in the environment, part II, health effects. Wiley, New York, pp 729-742... 

Other effects reported in humans after chronic exposure to cadmium are anemia, liver disturbances, and yellowing of the dental enamel. "" Teratogenic effects have been observed in longterm studies on mice, rats, and hamsters. " " ... 

Chernoff, N. (1973) Teratogenic effects of cadmium in rats. Teratology 8 29-32. 

Ferm, V.H. and W.M. Layton, Jr. 1981. Teratogenic and mutagenic effects of cadmium. Pages 743-756 in J.O. Nriagu (ed.). Cadmium in the Environment. Part II Health Effects. John Wiley, NY. 

An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Human mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cd. See also CADMIUM COMPOUNDS. 

Nolen GA, Buchler EV, Geil RG, et al. 1972. Effects of trisodium nitrotriacetate on cadmium and methylmercury toxicity and teratogenicity in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 23 222-237. 

The toxic effects of cadmiun are further manifested by a negative action on the metabolism of iron, copper and zinc which results in a deficiency of these metals with relevant disturbances. Cadmium also exerts teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects [10]. 

Since cadmium has teratogenic and fetotoxic effects, the results described above suggest the need to perform detailed assessment of the health risks of the population being exposed and to increase the level of health. 

Degreave, N., 1981. Carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic effects of cadmium. Mutat. Res. 86, 115-135. 

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