Question

Enviromental Biochemistry

Recent studies indicate that relatively low concentrations of Cd in cells of the proximal tubule lining can interfere with their attachment to each other. This attachment/adhesion is caused by “adherins” (external proteins) binding to catenins on and in neighboring cells to bring the cells together. Disrupting adherin-catenin connections, and a change in the localization of Na+/K+ATPase in the membranes, seem to be the earliest changes scientists have identified that coincide with reduced function of the proximal tubules in animals accumulating Cd in their kidneys.   

When Cd is absorbed by the intestine (the main way in which it would enter the body), much of it first goes to the liver, where it is incorporated into metallothionein (MT), a small protein (~8000 Da). This Cd-containing MT is slowly released into the blood, and it ends up in the cells lining the proximal tubules, which gradually increases the Cd concentration in those cells.

1) Describe another kind of toxic effect that is due to Cd damaging the kidney.

Answer 1

The another kind of toxic effect due to increased level of cadmium in the kidney is formation of kidney stones. Generally the increased level of cadmium is associated with progressive renal tubular disfunction. This can be identified by hight levels of creatine and albumin in the urine. In addition to this cadmium is inducing the hyper calciurea which results deposition of calcium minerals in the urine track. The chance for formation of kidney stones is around 45 % to 50% in comparing with only less than 5% in normal human body. There are other factors which can aid the formation of kidney stones due to cadmium like uric aciduria, reduced urinay citrate and renar tubular acidosis.