Effect of a controlled food-chain mediated exposure to cadmium and arsenic on oxidative enzymes in the tissues of rats Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the effects of cadmium and arsenic exposure on the activities of oxidative enzymes in various tissues of rats through a controlled food-chain mediated exposure. The study used fish, which were exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) and arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), as the first trophic level. The contaminated fish were then used as protein sources in the rats’ diet, simulating how these metals enter the food chain. The effects of these metals on the liver, kidney, testes, heart, and brain of rats were assessed by analyzing the activities of four key oxidative enzymes: Sulphite oxidase (SO), Aldehyde oxidase (AO), Monoamine oxidase (MO), and Xanthine oxidase (XO).
Who was studied?
The study focused on adult male Wistar albino rats, which were divided into four groups. One group served as the control, while the other three were exposed to diets containing cadmium, arsenic, or a combination of both metals. The rats were exposed for either one or three months, after which their tissues were analyzed for metal accumulation and enzyme activity. The results from the rats provided insights into the impact of these heavy metals on oxidative enzyme function in different tissues.
Most important findings
The study showed that both cadmium and arsenic accumulated in the tissues of rats, particularly in the liver and kidneys. After one month of exposure, the liver showed the highest accumulation of both metals. However, after three months, the kidney had the highest accumulation. The exposure to cadmium and arsenic resulted in a significant reduction in the activities of oxidative enzymes in the liver, especially after both one and three months of exposure. In other tissues like the kidneys, testes, and heart, enzyme activities initially increased after one month but decreased after three months. In the brain, the activities of these enzymes were elevated throughout the study. These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to cadmium and arsenic via the food chain leads to significant disruption of normal oxidative enzyme activity, potentially impairing essential metabolic functions in the affected tissues.
Key implications
The results underscore the potential health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in the food chain, particularly from common food sources like fish. The accumulation of cadmium and arsenic in vital organs like the liver and kidneys, and the subsequent inhibition of oxidative enzymes, could contribute to metabolic disruptions and oxidative stress. This study highlights the need for monitoring and controlling the levels of these toxic metals in food sources, as chronic exposure may lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, understanding the enzyme inhibition and accumulation patterns can aid in developing strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of these metals, particularly in areas where arsenic and cadmium contamination in water and soil is a known issue.
Arsenic (As)
Arsenic can disrupt both human health and microbial ecosystems. Its impact on the gut microbiome can lead to dysbiosis, which has been linked to increased disease susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance. Arsenic's ability to interfere with cellular processes, especially through its interaction with essential metals like phosphate and zinc, exacerbates these effects. By understanding how arsenic affects microbial communities and how these interactions contribute to disease, we can develop more effective interventions, including microbiome-targeted therapies and nutritional strategies, to mitigate its harmful effects.