Endothelial dysfunction in subjects with chronic cadmium exposure

Abstract

Vascular endothelium is a target of cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Cd exposure has been report-ed to be associated with vascular disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cd expo-sure on markers of endothelial function in human subjects chronically exposed to Cd. Based on blood Cd levels, seventy-five women were categorized into non-exposed, Cd-exposed and severely Cd-exposed groups. Nitrite, L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and soluble thrombomodulin levels in blood were measured. Nitrite levels were lower in Cd-exposed subjects than non-exposed subjects. Plas-ma L-arginine decreased while ADMA, an endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibi-tor, increased in Cd-exposed subjects. Soluble thrombomodulin also increased in Cd-exposed subjects. In Cd-exposed subjects, plasma malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl groups increased while the erythro-cytic glutathione decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a negative association between urinary Cd and nitrite levels in erythrocytes. Our research suggests that subjects with chronic Cd exposure have endothelial dysfunction.