BACKGROUND: Cadmium is a heavy metal harmful to animals and humans. Exposure to it causes inflammation, apoptosis, or necrosis in numerous tissues, including the adrenal.OBJECTIVES: The present research investigates the effect of cadmium toxicity on the expression of genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis. Inflammation increases the rate of parenchymal cell death, and fibrosis will only fill the place of dead cells without being able to perform the function of the primary parenchyma.METHODS: In this research, cadmium chloride with a concentration of 20 mg/kg was added to the diet of ten mice in two groups of five. On the 30th day of the study, the adrenal glands were quickly sent to the laboratory. The expression of NF-kB/MAPK, hematoxylin, eosin tissue staining, and immunohistochemistry (CD163) were performed.RESULTS: The inflammation mentioned in others’ research can also be associated with the activation of the nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) pathway. NF-κB gene products initiate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 pathways. Previous studies indicate that MAPK induces necrosis or apoptosis in tissues. In histopathology, dense and possibly pyknosis nuclei are more common in the cadmium group. The higher expression of the CD163 molecule in the cadmium group reveals the beginning of the fibrosis process after chronic inflammation.CONCLUSIONS: This report provides more basic data to investigate the mechanism of adrenal damage in cadmium poisoning. Cadmium causes the death of cells by affecting the inflammatory pathways. Additionally, the stimulation of the fibrosis process causes greater irreparable damage to the damaged tissue of the adrenal gland.

The aim of the study was to investigate the mitigative effects of bisoprolol (BIS) in cadmium-induced myocardial toxicity on oxidative stress and its inhibitive effect on nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signalling in rats.

Introduction: Hard antlers of deer are unique bioindicators of environmental metal pollutions, but sampling methods presented in the literature are inconsistent. Due to the specific growth pattern of antlers and their histological structure, sampling methods described in the literature were reviewed, the suitability of using mixed samples of both antler layers as element bioindicators was assessed, and the codified method of antler sampling used for bioindication was described. Material and Methods: Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, copper, zinc, and iron in trabecular and cortical parts of hard antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) were determined using different methods of atomic absorption spectrometry (depending on the element). Results: Mean mercury content in trabecular bone (0.010 ±0.018 mg/kg) was 5 times higher than in cortical bone (0.002 ±0.003 mg/kg). Mean iron concentration was approximately 15 times higher in trabecular (239.83 ±130.15 mg/kg) than in cortical bone (16.17 ±16.44 mg/kg). Concentrations of other analysed elements did not differ statistically between antler layers. Conclusion: In mixed antler samples, concentrations of mercury and iron depend on the particular antler layer contents. This therefore warrants caution when comparing results across studies and specification of the sampling methodology of antlers is highly recommended.

The aim of the study was to investigate the mitigative effects of bisoprolol (BIS) in cadmium-induced myocardial toxicity on oxidative stress and its inhibitive effect on nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signalling in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were assigned to control, Cd, BIS 2 (2 mg/kg b.w.) and BIS 8 (8 mg/kg b.w.) groups with nine rats in each. Over four weeks, the control group was administered 1% gum acacia, all other groups received 3mg/kg b.w. CdCl₂ dissolved in distilled water, and the BIS groups were additionally given bisoprolol in gum acacia. Blood samples were collected for biochemical estimations. Blood pressure and serum biomarker (lactate dehydrogenase, aspirate transaminase, alanine transferase and creatine kinase-MB, enzyme (superoxide dismutase, lipid hydroxy peroxidase, catalase and malondialdehyde), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were measured. Western blot analysis was conducted for NF-κB and glutathione S-transferase (GST). After sacrificing the rats, cardiac tissue samples were examined histopathologically. Our findings pointed to a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the studied serum biomarkers and levels of the relevant enzymes in the BIS 8 group compared to the Cd group. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in NF-kB p65 expression and TNF-α levels was noted in the BIS 8 group relative to the BIS 2 and Cd groups, indicating a reduction at a higher dose. In microscopy, histopathological changes in the cardiac muscles of the BIS 8 group were evident compared to those of the Cd group. BIS seemed to have protective effects against cardiac injury induced by cadmium and could be considered a novel therapeutic drug and prognostic biomarker in the pathology of the many cardiovascular diseases caused by heavy metal intake.

Differing conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds. The tests were performed on the breast and thigh muscles of 20 wild and 20 farm bred birds from around Lublin, Poland, with equal sex representation. The nutrient and lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel contents were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The farmed pheasants had a higher proportion of breast muscle. The thigh muscles of all birds had a higher fat content than the breast muscles (5.1 g vs. 3.4 g per kg of natural weight). The macroelement level depended on the muscle type and bird origin. The trace element content also did and gender dependence was also evident. The wild birds contained more cadmium in the breast muscles and lead in both muscles than the farm-raised ones. The high quality and usefulness of wild and farmed pheasant meat is confirmed. It has advantageous macro- and trace element contents and permissible heavy metal contents except for lead in wild birds. The heavy metal level can be a bioindicator of their environmental occurrence. In wild birds, the lead level may also reflect birdshot remnants.

In several nations of the Middle East, camel meat is a significant source of animal-derived protein, vitamins, and minerals. In the Arab and African continents, camels are extremely significant. The study was conducted to determine the residual levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium). Camel meat plays a significant role in these regions as a source of protein, but it may also contain many toxic substances as residues contamination with heavy metals, which are considered serious threats not only due to their toxicity but also because of bioaccumulation in the food chain. The average lead levels in the analyzed samples of muscles, kidneys, and livers were 0.11±0.03, 0.47±1.18, and 0.7±0.13 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentrations of cadmium in muscles, livers, and kidneys, however, were 0.13±0.04, 0.43±0.12, and 0.85±0.34 mg/kg, respectively. While the residual chromium levels in the muscles, livers, and kidneys were, respectively, 0.1±0.45, 0.21±0.11, and 0.25±0.07 mg/kg. The residual level of all the metals in different tissues were found to be substantially different, with a p-value <0.05, whereas nickel was 0.13, 0.16, and 0.23 mg/kg. In conclusion, liver and kidneys has higher concentrations of the tested metals compared with muscles. However, the recorded concentrations of the tested metals lies within the acceptable limits set by the regulatory authorities.

Meat contamination is a problem that must be addressed since it can affect consumers' health. Standard acceptable limits for heavy metals in meat and organs have been established by many international organizations. Livestock including sheep, cattle, camels, and goats side by side with other poultry species are the most significant sources of meat for protein. Heavy metal contamination in animal products may be harmful to people's health. The earth's crust naturally contains heavy metals, but uncontrolled human activity has significantly changed their geochemical cycles and biological equilibrium. This causes a buildup of metals in animal tissue that contain secondary metabolites, which gives rise to a specific pharmacological action. Humans can have negative health effects from prolonged exposure to heavy metals as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. This review showed that most of the studies conducted in different countries on heavy metals were mostly in red meat, and the research was few in the cases of domesticated birds and very rare in game birds, although it is considered a good example for investigating heavy metals in the environment

Tribulus terrestris (Tt) is a herb distributed worldwide due to its beneficial claims on many diseases. This study aimed to study the role of Tt against Cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity on thyroid gland of adult male albino rats. Twenty-four rats were subdivided into four groups; (Control group) without any treatment, (Tt + Cd group) with a daily oral dose of Tt (5 mg/ kg b. wt.) for eight weeks, from the beginning of the ninth week, they injected i.p. with 2 mg/kg of CdCl4 for 8 days, (Cd group) injected i.p. with 2 mg/kg of CdCl4 for 8 days, (Cd + Tt group) injected i.p. with 2 mg/kg of CdCl4 for eight days, from the ninth day they were given a daily oral dose of Tt (5 mg/ kg b. wt.) for eight weeks. Results revealed that levels of T4 and TAC decreased while levels of TSH and MDA increased in Cd group resulted in follicular cells degeneration, increasing the amount of collagen fibers, and increased positive immunoreactivity of PCNA. Administration of Tt before Cd injection increased levels of T4 and TAC while decreased levels of TSH and MDA. administration of Tt after Cd injection didn't affect T4, TSH, MDA and TAC levels. The pre-treatment with Tt protects the thyroid tissue from those destructive changes by Cd while the post-treatment did not treat them.  In conclusion, Tribulus terrestris is highly effective in shielding the thyroid gland from further damaging effects of Cd -induced oxidative stress when utilized as prophylactic antioxidant rather than treatment therapy.

In the aquatic environment, pollution with heavy metals is a major issue. Some of them are essential heavy metals because they play biological roles for aquatic organisms. Other heavy metals, however, are regarded as dangerous even at low concentrations. Heavy metal levels that are harmful may be caused by industrial, mining, and agricultural operations. Water contamination and changes to the physicochemical properties of the aquatic environment will result from this. The harmful toxic consequences of this pollution on fish raise questions about its possible impacts on human health. The most prevalent heavy metals are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, which are systemic toxicants and have an impact on human health. These metals are classified as carcinogens by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the international agency for research on cancer because they cause organ damage even at low exposure levels. This review was created to contribute to the understanding of the environmental impact, toxicology, and consequences of heavy metals on fish.