Cadmium - Altern Med Rev 2003

Cadmium has a significant effect on
renal function, and as a result alters bone
metabolism, leading to osteoporosis and
osteomalacia. Cadmium-induced genotoxicity
also increases risk for several cancers. The
mechanisms of arsenic- and cadmium-induced
damage include the production of free radicals
that alter mitochondrial activity and genetic
information. The metabolism and excretion of
these heavy metals depend on the presence
of antioxidants and thiols that aid arsenic
methylation and both arsenic and cadmium
metallothionein-binding. S-adenosylmethionine,
lipoic acid, glutathione, selenium,
zinc, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), methionine,
cysteine, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid
have specific roles in the mitigation of heavy
metal toxicity. Several antioxidants including
NAC, zinc, methionine, and cysteine, when
used in conjunction with standard chelating
agents, can improve the mobilization and
excretion of arsenic and cadmium.
(Altern Med Rev 2003;8(2):106-128)

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