Abstract

CADMIUM INDUCED PATHOLOGICAL AND ECO-TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN ANIMALS

Akansha Srivastava, Sunil Kumar Srivastav and Ravi Kant Upadhyay*

.

Abstract

Present review article describes cadmium induced pathological and ecotoxicological effects of cadmium in animals. This is highly toxic non-essential transition metal, causing serious global problem to human health, animals and environment. After entered into human blood and its subsequent distribution cadmium imposes multiple morbidities in human. In mammalian system cadmium is reported to cause toxicity to liver, central nervous system, and kidney in animals and humans. It disrupts endocrine functions in humans and generates carcinogenic effects in mammary glands and acts as a metalloestrogen and evokes breast cancer. Cadmium is one of the important environmental factors involved in lipid peroxidation, it disrupts gastric mucosal barrier and induce gastric ulcers. Cadmium shows inhibitory effects on the nerve fibres and reduces the response to sympathetic nerve stimulation by affecting presynaptic nerve terminals. Cadmium (Cd) induces bone pathologies; it severely affects bone formation and structure. Long term exposure of cadmium is very vulnerable to immune system. It stimulates the production of cytokines and IgE antibodies. High levels of cadmium have been reported in cow milk that is very harmful to consumers. Its high bio-accumulation is observed in marine gastropods, fishes, frogs and turtles. It potentially induces oxidative stress and largely affects respiratory system in aquatic and marine animals. Higher levels of cadmium are also reported in blood samples of industry workers and causing occupational health hazards. This article suggests safety measures for workers engaged in industries and methods of detoxification of cadmium.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Cadmium, Agricultural and Industrial sources, Toxicity and Physiological effects.