A comprehensive review of cadmium-induced toxicity, signalling pathways, and potential mitigation strategies

Cadmium, a heavy metal pollutant, is a major environment concern due to its widespread presence resulting from industrial emission, mining activities, and agricultural practices. Exposure to cadmium poses significant health risks to both humans and animals, leading to serious clinical disorders affecting various organs such as liver, kidney, bones, and lungs.

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and biochemical signalling networks involved in cadmium-induced toxicity. It explores the mechanisms of cellular damage and the physiological impacts of cadmium exposure, as well as the detoxification processes and the interplay between cadmium metabolism and cellular responses.

This review comprises of the current research on the effects of cadmium exposure, including its impact on oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathway. It also discusses epigenetic modification induced by cadmium and the diagnostic tool used to assess its toxicity, such as biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques.

Cadmium exposure disrupts cellular signalling networks, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation and induced apoptotic cell death. Epigenetic changes further exacerbate its toxic effects. The review highlights the critical roles of detoxification mechanisms, autophagy and cadmium metabolism in modulating these toxic effects.

In summary, this review consolidates current knowledge on cadmium-induced toxicity, emphasizing its multifaceted health effects on people. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate cadmium’s adverse effects. It informs future research directions aimed at safeguarding public health and minimizing impact of cadmium pollution.