Evidence for cadmium uptake through Nramp2: metal speciation studies with Caco-2 cells

Pathophysiological effects of cadmium(II) on human health-a critical review

Cadmium(II) is an omnipresent environmental toxicant emitted from various industrial sources and by anthropogenic sources such as smoking. Cadmium(II) enters our body through various sources including contaminated food and drinks and from active or passive smoking. It spares no organs in our body and the calamities it invites include primarily nephrotoxicity, osteotoxicity, teratogenicity, endocrine disruption, hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity above all. It brings about a bolt from the blue in the cellular biochemistry by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting the factors involved in the repair of DNA lesions and many other toxic nuisances otherwise by modulating the cell signalling machinery and acting as a potent carcinogen above all. In this review, we have tried to decipher some of the mechanisms played by cadmium(II) in exhibiting its toxic effects on various system of our body.

The transfer of trace metals in the soil-plant-arthropod system

Essential and non-essential trace metals are capable of causing toxicity to organisms above a threshold concentration. Extensive research has assessed the behaviour of trace metals in biological and ecological systems, but has typically focused on single organisms within a trophic level and not on multi-trophic transfer through terrestrial food chains. This reinforces the notion of metal toxicity as a closed system, failing to consider one trophic level as a pollution source to another; therefore, obscuring the full extent of ecosystem effects. Given the relatively few studies on trophic transfer of metals, this review has taken a compartment-based approach, where transfer of metals through trophic pathways is considered as a series of linked compartments (soil-plant-arthropod herbivore-arthropod predator). In particular, we consider the mechanisms by which trace metals are taken up by organisms, the forms and transformations that can occur within the organism and the consequences for trace metal availability to the next trophic level. The review focuses on four of the most prevalent metal cations in soil which are labile in terrestrial food chains: Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni. Current knowledge of the processes and mechanisms by which these metals are transformed and moved within and between trophic levels in the soil-plant-arthropod system are evaluated. We demonstrate that the key factors controlling the transfer of trace metals through the soil-plant-arthropod system are the form and location in which the metal occurs in the lower trophic level and the physiological mechanisms of each organism in regulating uptake, transformation, detoxification and transfer. The magnitude of transfer varies considerably depending on the trace metal concerned, as does its toxicity, and we conclude that biomagnification is not a general property of plant-arthropod and arthropod-arthropod systems. To deliver a more holistic assessment of ecosystem toxicity, integrated studies across ecosystem compartments are needed to identify critical pathways that can result in secondary toxicity across terrestrial food-chains.

Cadmium toxicity: A role in bone cell function and teeth development

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes severe bone metabolism disease, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteomalacia. The present review aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of Cd-induced bone injury starting from bone cell function and teeth development. Cd inhibits the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into osteoblasts, and directly causes BMSC apoptosis. In the case of osteoporosis, Cd mainly affects the activation of osteoclasts and promotes bone resorption. Cd-induces osteoblast injury and oxidative stress, which causes DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, resulting in apoptosis. In addition, the development of osteoarthritis (OA) might be related to Cd-induced chondrocyte damage. The high expression of metallothionein (MT) might reduce Cd toxicity toward osteocytes. The toxicity of Cd toward teeth mainly focuses on enamel development and dental caries. Understanding the effect of Cd on bone cell function and teeth development could contribute to revealing the mechanisms of Cd-induced bone damage. This review explores Cd-induced bone disease from cellular and molecular levels, and provides new directions for removing this heavy metal from the environment.

Molecular Mechanism of Nramp-Family Transition Metal Transport

The Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp) family of transition metal transporters enables uptake and trafficking of essential micronutrients that all organisms must acquire to survive. Two decades after Nramps were identified as proton-driven, voltage-dependent secondary transporters, multiple Nramp crystal structures have begun to illustrate the fine details of the transport process and provide a new framework for understanding a wealth of preexisting biochemical data. Here we review the relevant literature pertaining to Nramps' biological roles and especially their conserved molecular mechanism, including our updated understanding of conformational change, metal binding and transport, substrate selectivity, proton transport, proton-metal coupling, and voltage dependence. We ultimately describe how the Nramp family has adapted the LeuT fold common to many secondary transporters to provide selective transition-metal transport with a mechanism that deviates from the canonical model of symport.

Role of metal speciation in the exposure medium on the toxicity, bioavailability and bio-reactivity of copper, silver, cadmium and zinc in the rainbow trout gut cell line (RTgutGC)

The role of metal speciation on metal bioavailability, bio-reactivity and toxicity at the fish intestine is poorly understood. To investigate these processes, we used an in vitro model of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine, the RTgutGC cell line. Cells were exposed to two essential metals (copper and zinc) and two non-essential metals (cadmium and silver) in a medium of well-defined composition, which allowed the determination of metal speciation in solution. Concentrations resulting in a 50% cell viability reduction (EC₅₀) were measured using a viability assay based on two endpoints: metabolic activity and membrane integrity. Metal bioavailability and bio-reactivity was studied at non-toxic (300 nM all metals) and toxic (EC₁₀; Ag-0.6, Cu-0.9, Cd-3, and Zn-9 μM) concentrations. Bioavailability (i.e. intracellular metal accumulation) was determined by ICP-MS, while bio-reactivity (i.e. induction of a metal specific transcriptional response) was determined by measuring the mRNA levels of a known biomarker of metal exposure (i.e. metallothionein) and of copper and zinc transporters (i.e. ATP7A and ZnT1). Dominant metal species in the exposure medium were Zn²⁺, CuHPO₄, CdCl⁺, and AgCl₂^- respectively for Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ag. The EC_50s showed the metal toxicity hierarchy: Ag > Cu > Cd > Zn. In RTgutGC cells, essential metal homeostasis was tightly regulated while non-essential metals accumulated more readily. Non-essential metals were also more bio-reactive inducing higher MT and ZnT1 mRNA levels. Taken together these findings indicate that metal toxicity in RTgutGC cannot solely be explained by extracellular metal speciation but requires the evaluation of metal bioavailability and bio-reactivity.

Increased DMT-1 expression in placentas of women living in high-Cd-contaminated areas of Thailand

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and contamination was reported in soil and rice in several areas of Thailand. Humans are normally exposed to environmental Cd, leading to gradual Cd accumulation in their bodies, including the placenta. DMT-1 is a divalent metal transporter which is found in placental tissue and plays a vital role in the transportation of Fe²⁺ and Cd²⁺. This study investigated DMT-1 protein and mRNA expressions in full term human placentas comparing those from high-Cd-contaminated areas (high-Cd group) and low-Cd-contaminated areas (low-Cd group), n = 6 per group. The maternal blood Cd (B-Cd) and placental Cd (P-Cd) of the high-Cd group was significantly raised in comparison with those in the low-Cd group. DMT-1 in the fetal portion of the placentas was localized in the apical and basal portions of the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblastic cells, the endothelium of fetal capillaries which is functional structure of the placental barrier, and was also found in the cytoplasm of Hofbauer cells. Moreover, DMT-1 localization in the maternal portion was also detected in most decidual cells. In addition, the DMT-1 protein and mRNA expressions in the high-Cd group were significantly higher than those in the low-Cd group. Therefore, we suggest that pregnant women, who are exposed to environmental Cd, show an increased level of Cd in their maternal blood and this Cd can accumulate in the placenta. Intracellular Cd may induce DMT-1 mRNA transcription which further translates into DMT-1 protein, which can then function as a reciprocal Cd transporter in placental tissue.

Mixtures of herbicides and metals affect the redox system of honey bees

The increasing loss of bee colonies in many countries has prompted a surge of studies on the factors affecting bee health. In North America, main crops such as maize and soybean are cultivated with extensive use of pesticides that may affect non-target organisms such as bees. Also, biosolids, used as a soil amendment, represent additional sources of metals in agroecosystems; however, there is no information about how these metals could affect the bees. In previous studies we investigated the effects of environmentally relevant doses of herbicides and metals, each individually, on caged honey bees. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of mixtures of herbicides (glyphosate and atrazine) and metals (cadmium and iron), as these mixtures represent more realistic exposure conditions. Levels of metal, vitamin E, carotenoids, retinaldehyde, at-retinol, retinoic acid isomers (9-cis RA, 13-cis RA, at-RA) and the metabolites 13-cis-4-oxo-RA and at-4-oxo-RA were measured in bees fed for 10 days with contaminated syrup. Mixtures of herbicides and cadmium that did not affect bee viability, lowered bee α- and β-carotenoid contents and increased 9-cis-RA as well as 13-cis-4-oxo-RA without modifying the levels of at-retinol. Bee treatment with either glyphosate, a combination of atrazine and cadmium, or mixtures of herbicides promoted lipid peroxidation. Iron was bioconcentrated in bees and led to high levels of lipid peroxidation. Metals also decreased zeaxanthin bee contents. These results show that mixtures of atrazine, glyphosate, cadmium and iron may affect different reactions occurring in the metabolic pathway of vitamin A in the honey bee.

Influence of co-contaminant exposure on the absorption of arsenic, cadmium and lead

Incidental ingestion of contaminated soil and dust is a major pathway for human exposure to many inorganic contaminants. To date, exposure research has focused on arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), however, these studies have typically assessed metal(loid) bioavailability individually, even when multiple elements are present in the same matrix. As a consequence, it is unclear whether interactions between these elements occur within the gastro-intestinal tract, which may impact absorption and accumulation. In this study, the influence of contaminant co-exposure was assessed using a mouse bioassay and soluble forms of As, Cd and Pb supplied in mouse chow as individual, binary and tertiary elemental combinations. Arsenic urinary excretion and Pb-liver accumulation were unaffected by As-Pb co-exposure (1-10 mg As kg^-1 and 3-30 mg Pb kg^-1) while Cd-kidney accumulation was unaffected by the presence of As and/or Pb. However, Cd co-exposure decreased As urinary excretion and increased Pb-liver accumulation. It was hypothesized that Cd influenced arsenate absorption as a consequence of the impairment of phosphate transporters. Although the reason for increasing Pb-liver accumulation following Cd co-exposure is unclear, enhanced Pb accumulation may occur as a result of transport protein overexpression or changes in divalent metal compartmentalization.

A Model of Cadmium Uptake and Transport in Caco-2 Cells

We created a physiologically substantiated kinetic model of cadmium transport and toxicity in intestinal cell model (Caco-2 cells). Transcriptome profiling of Caco-2 cells revealed high content of transporter DMT1 and ZIP14 and intensive expression of some calcium channels of the CACN family. The mathematical model describing three types of transporters, as well as intracellular cadmium binding with metallothionein and excretion through the basolateral membrane allowed us to construct cadmium uptake and transport curves that approximated the previously obtained experimental data. Using the proposed model, we determined toxic intracellular cadmium concentration leading to cell death and impairing the integrity of cell monolayer and described cadmium transport in this case.

Iron-induced reactive oxygen species mediate transporter DMT1 endocytosis and iron uptake in intestinal epithelial cells

Recent evidence shows that iron induces the endocytosis of the iron transporter dimetal transporter 1 (DMT1) during intestinal absorption. We, and others, have proposed that iron-induced DMT1 internalization underlies the mucosal block phenomena, a regulatory response that downregulates intestinal iron uptake after a large oral dose of iron. In this work, we investigated the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the establishment of this response. By means of selective surface protein biotinylation of polarized Caco-2 cells, we determined the kinetics of DMT1 internalization from the apical membrane after an iron challenge. The initial decrease in DMT1 levels in the apical membrane induced by iron was followed at later times by increased levels of DMT1. Addition of Fe(2+), but not of Cd(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), or Cu(1+), induced the production of intracellular ROS, as detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence. Preincubation with the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) resulted in increased DMT1 at the apical membrane before and after addition of iron. Similarly, preincubation with the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) resulted in the enhanced presence of DMT1 at the apical membrane. The decrease of DMT1 levels at the apical membrane induced by iron was associated with decreased iron uptake rates. A kinetic mathematical model based on operational rate constants of DMT1 endocytosis and exocytosis is proposed. The model qualitatively captures the experimental observations and accurately describes the effect of iron, NAC, and DMSO on the apical distribution of DMT1. Taken together, our data suggest that iron uptake induces the production of ROS, which modify DMT1 endocytic cycling, thus changing the iron transport activity at the apical membrane.

Cellular mechanisms of cadmium-induced toxicity: a review

Cadmium is a widespread toxic pollutant of occupational and environmental concern because of its diverse toxic effects: extremely protracted biological half-life (approximately 20-30 years in humans), low rate of excretion from the body and storage predominantly in soft tissues (primarily, liver and kidneys). It is an extremely toxic element of continuing concern because environmental levels have risen steadily due to continued worldwide anthropogenic mobilization. Cadmium is absorbed in significant quantities from cigarette smoke, food, water and air contamination and is known to have numerous undesirable effects in both humans and animals. Cadmium has a diversity of toxic effects including nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and endocrine and reproductive toxicities. At the cellular level, cadmium affects cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other cellular activities. Current evidence suggests that exposure to cadmium induces genomic instability through complex and multifactorial mechanisms. Most important seems to be cadmium interaction with DNA repair mechanism, generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of apoptosis. In this article, we have reviewed recent developments and findings on cadmium toxicology.

Cadmium

Cadmium is not an essential element for life. It is geologically marginal but anthropogenic activities have contributed significantly to its dispersion in the environment and to cadmium exposure of living species. The natural speciation of the divalent cation Cd2+ is dominated by its high propensity to bind to sulfur ligands, but Cd2+ may also occupy sites providing imidazole and carboxylate ligands. It binds to cell walls by passive adsorption (bio-sorption) and it may interact with surface receptors. Cellular uptake can occur by ion mimicry through a variety of transporters of essential divalent cations, but not always. Once inside cells, Cd2+ preferentially binds to thiol-rich molecules. It can accumulate in intracellular vesicles. It may also be transported over long distances within multicellular organisms and be trapped in locations devoid of efficient excretion systems. These locations include the renal cortex of animals and the leaves of hyper-accumulating plants. No specific regulatory mechanism monitors Cd2+ cellular concentrations. Thiol recruitment by cadmium is a major interference mechanism with many signalling pathways that rely on thiolate-disulfide equilibria and other redox-related processes. Cadmium thus compromises the antioxidant intracellular response that relies heavily on molecules with reactive thiolates. These biochemical features dominate cadmium toxicity, which is complex because of the diversity of the biological targets and the consequent pleiotropic effects. This chapter compares the cadmium-handling systems known throughout phylogeny and highlights the basic principles underlying the impact of cadmium in biology.

The bioinorganic chemistry of cadmium in the context of its toxicity

Cadmium is known for its toxicity in animals and man as it is not used in these species. Its only role in biology is as a zinc replacement at the catalytic site of a particular class of carbonic anhydrases in some marine diatoms. The toxicity of cadmium continues to be a significant public health concern as cadmium enters the food chain and it is taken up by tobacco smokers. The biochemical basis for its toxicity has been the objective of research for over 50 years. Cadmium damages the kidneys, the lungs upon inhalation, and interferes with bone metabolism. Evidence is accumulating that it affects the cardiovascular system. Cadmium is classified as a human carcinogen. It generates oxidative stress. This chapter discusses the chemistry and biochemistry of cadmium(II) ions, the only important state of cadmium in biology. This background is needed to interpret the countless effects of cadmium in laboratory experiments with cultured cells or with animals with regard to their significance for human health. Evaluation of the risks of cadmium exposure and the risk factors that affect cadmium's biological effects in tissues is an on-going process. It appears that the more we learn about the biochemistry of cadmium and the more sensitive assays we develop for determining exposure, the lower we need to set the upper limits for exposure to protect those at risk. But proper control of cadmium's presence and interactions with living species and the environment still needs to be based on improved knowledge about the mechanisms of cadmium toxicity; the gaps in our knowledge in this area are discussed herein.

Substrate profile and metal-ion selectivity of human divalent metal-ion transporter-1

Divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1) is a H(+)-coupled metal-ion transporter that plays essential roles in iron homeostasis. DMT1 exhibits reactivity (based on evoked currents) with a broad range of metal ions; however, direct measurement of transport is lacking for many of its potential substrates. We performed a comprehensive substrate-profile analysis for human DMT1 expressed in RNA-injected Xenopus oocytes by using radiotracer assays and the continuous measurement of transport by fluorescence with the metal-sensitive PhenGreen SK fluorophore. We provide validation for the use of PhenGreen SK fluorescence quenching as a reporter of cellular metal-ion uptake. We determined metal-ion selectivity under fixed conditions using the voltage clamp. Radiotracer and continuous measurement of transport by fluorescence assays revealed that DMT1 mediates the transport of several metal ions that were ranked in selectivity by using the ratio I(max)/K(0.5) (determined from evoked currents at -70 mV): Cd(2+) > Fe(2+) > Co(2+), Mn(2+) ≫ Zn(2+), Ni(2+), VO(2+). DMT1 expression did not stimulate the transport of Cr(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(+), Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Ga(3+), Hg(2+), or VO(+). (55)Fe(2+) transport was competitively inhibited by Co(2+) and Mn(2+). Zn(2+) only weakly inhibited (55)Fe(2+) transport. Our data reveal that DMT1 selects Fe(2+) over its other physiological substrates and provides a basis for predicting the contribution of DMT1 to intestinal, nasal, and pulmonary absorption of metal ions and their cellular uptake in other tissues. Whereas DMT1 is a likely route of entry for the toxic heavy metal cadmium, and may serve the metabolism of cobalt, manganese, and vanadium, we predict that DMT1 should contribute little if at all to the absorption or uptake of zinc. The conclusion in previous reports that copper is a substrate of DMT1 is not supported.

Labile complexes facilitate cadmium uptake by Caco-2 cells

The Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM) predicts that metal uptake in biota is related to the free ion activity in the external solution and that metal complexes do not contribute. However, studies with plants have shown that labile metal complexes enhance metal bioavailability when the uptake is rate-limited by transport of the free ion in solution to the uptake site. Here, the role of labile complexes of Cd on metal bioavailability was assessed using Caco-2 cells, the cell model for intestinal absorption. At low Cd(2+) concentration (1 nM), the CdCl(n)(2-n) complexes contributed to the uptake almost to the same extent as the free ion. At large Cd(2+) concentration (10 μM), the contribution of the complexes was much smaller. At constant Cd(2+) concentration, Cd intake in the cells from solutions containing synthetic ligands such as EDTA increased as the dissociation rate of the cadmium complexes increased, and correlated well with the Cd diffusion flux in solution measured with the Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films technique (DGT). The Cd intake fluxes in the cells were well predicted assuming that the specific uptake is limited by diffusion of the free Cd(2+) ion to the cell surface. Our results underline that speciation of Cd has a major effect on its uptake by intestinal cells, but the availability is not simply related to the free ion concentration. Labile complexes of Cd enhance metal bioavailability in these cells, likely by alleviating diffusive limitations.

Cadmium transport in isolated enterocytes of freshwater rainbow trout: interactions with zinc and iron, effects of complexation with cysteine, and an ATPase-coupled efflux

The present study investigated the mechanisms of intestinal cadmium (Cd) uptake and efflux, using isolated enterocytes of freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as the experimental model. The apical uptake of free Cd(2+) in the enterocytes was a saturable and high-affinity transport process. Both zinc (Zn(2+)) and iron (Fe(2+)) inhibited cellular Cd(2+) uptake through a competitive interaction, suggesting that Cd(2+) enters enterocytes via both Zn(2+) (e.g., ZIP8) and Fe(2+) (e.g., DMT1) transport pathways. Cellular Cd(2+) uptake increased in the presence of HCO(3)(-), which resembled the function of mammalian ZIP8. Cellular Cd(2+) uptake was unaffected by Ca(2+), indicating that Cd(2+) does not compete with Ca(2+) for apical uptake. Interestingly, Cd uptake was influenced by the presence of l-cysteine, and under the exposure condition where Cd(Cys)(+) was the predominant Cd species, cellular Cd uptake rate increased with the increased concentration of Cd(Cys)(+). The kinetic analysis indicated that the uptake of Cd(Cys)(+) occurs through a low capacity transport mechanism relative to that of free Cd(2+). In addition, Cd efflux from the enterocytes decreased in the presence of an ATPase inhibitor (orthovanadate), suggesting the existence of an ATPase-coupled extrusion process. Overall, our findings provide new mechanistic insights into the intestinal Cd transport in freshwater fish.

H(+)-coupled divalent metal-ion transporter-1: functional properties, physiological roles and therapeutics

Divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1) is a widely expressed, iron-preferring membrane transport protein. Animal models establish that DMT1 plays indispensable roles in intestinal nonheme-iron absorption and iron acquisition by erythroid precursor cells. Rare mutations in human DMT1 result in severe microcytic-hypochromic anemia. When we express DMT1 in RNA-injected Xenopus oocytes, we observe rheogenic Fe(2+) transport that is driven by the proton electrochemical potential gradient. In that same preparation, DMT1 also transports cadmium and manganese but not copper. Whether manganese metabolism relies upon DMT1 remains unclear but DMT1 contributes to the effects of overexposure to cadmium and manganese in some tissues. There exist at least four DMT1 isoforms that arise from variant transcription of the SLC11A2 gene. Whereas these isoforms display identical functional properties, N- and C-terminal variations contain cues that direct the cell-specific targeting of DMT1 isoforms to discrete subcellular compartments (plasma membrane, endosomes, and lysosomes). An iron-responsive element (IRE) in the mRNA 3'-untranslated region permits the regulation of some isoforms by iron status, and additional mechanisms by which DMT1 is regulated are emerging. Natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein-1 (NRAMP1)-the only other member of the mammalian SLC11 gene family-contributes to antimicrobial function by extruding from the phagolysosome divalent metal ions (e.g. Mn(2+)) that may be essential cofactors for bacteria-derived enzymes or required for bacterial growth. The principal or only intestinal nonheme-iron transporter, DMT1 is a validated therapeutic target in hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) and other iron-overload disorders.

Characterization of basolateral-to-apical transepithelial transport of cadmium in intestinal TC7 cell monolayers

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with an extremely long half-life in humans. The intestinal absorption of Cd has been extensively studied but the role the intestinal epithelium may play in metal excretion has never been considered. The basolateral (BL)-to-apical (AP) transepithelial transport of Cd was characterized in TC7 human intestinal cells. Both AP and BL uptakes varied with days in culture, and BL uptake was twofold higher compared to AP in differentiated cultures. A 50% increase in the BL uptake of 0.5 μM (109)Cd was observed at pH 8.5 in a chloride but not nitrate medium, suggesting the involvement of a pH-sensitive mechanism of transport for chloro-complexes. Fe and Zn inhibited the BL uptake of Cd whereas complexation by albumin had no effect, but the stimulatory effect of pH 8.5 was lost in the presence of albumin. The BL uptake of [(3)H]-MPP(+) and (109)Cd were both inhibited by decynium22 without reciprocal inhibition. MRP2 and MDR1 mRNA levels increased as a function of days in culture. A 25 and 20% decrease in the cellular AP efflux of Cd was observed in the presence of verapamil and probenecid, respectively. In cells treated with BSO, which lowered by 26% the total cellular thiol content, the inhibitory effect of verapamil increased, whereas that of probenecid decreased. These results reveal the existence of a decynium22-sensitive mechanism of transport for Cd at the BL membrane, and suggest the involvement of MDR1 and MRP2 in cellular Cd efflux at the AP membrane. It is conceivable that the intestinal epithelium may contribute to Cd blood excretion.

Transport pathways for cadmium in the intestine and kidney proximal tubule: focus on the interaction with essential metals

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with a propensity to accumulate in the proximal tubules cells (PTC) of the kidney where it can lead to tubular dysfunction and eventually renal failure. Although Cd(2+)-induced nephrotoxicity has been well described there is still uncertainty about how this metal gains entry into these cells to induce toxicity. As a non-essential metal, specific transport proteins for Cd are unlikely to exist. Rather transport proteins/channels used by essential metals (iron, zinc, calcium) are thought to be responsible. When these dietary essential metals are in short supply and deficiencies develop, Cd absorption and toxicity are enhanced. This is primarily due to increased expression of essential metal transport proteins such as divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) which can transport Cd in the intestine and enhance toxicity in the kidney. The zinc/bicarbonate sympoters ZIP8 and 14 are expressed at the apical membrane of enterocytes and PTC, and can transport Cd into cells. TRPV5 and 6 are major transporters for calcium in intestine and kidney and may be involved in Cd transport in these locations. Cd in the circulation is bound to proteins such as metallothioneins (MT) which are readily filtered. Two multiligand receptors, megalin and cubulin, reabsorb filtered proteins including albumin and MT by the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis. This review summarises the transport pathways for Cd in the intestine and kidney proximal tubule focusing in particular at how Cd uses essential metal transport processes to gain entry to the circulation and the kidney.

Factors influencing intestinal cadmium uptake in pregnant Bangladeshi women--a prospective cohort study

Experimental studies indicate that zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) status, in addition to iron (Fe) status, affect gastrointestinal absorption of cadmium (Cd), an environmental pollutant that is toxic to kidneys, bone and endocrine systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate how various nutritional factors influence the uptake of Cd in women, particularly during pregnancy. The study was carried out in a rural area of Bangladesh, where malnutrition is prevalent and exposure to Cd via food appears elevated. The uptake of Cd was evaluated by associations between erythrocyte Cd concentrations (Ery-Cd), a marker of ongoing Cd exposure, and concentrations of nutritional markers. Blood samples, collected in early pregnancy and 6 months postpartum, were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Ery-Cd varied considerably (range: 0.31-5.4microg/kg) with a median of 1.1microg/kg (approximately 0.5microg/L in whole blood) in early pregnancy. Ery-Cd was associated with erythrocyte manganese (Ery-Mn; positively), plasma ferritin (p-Ft; negatively), and erythrocyte Ca (Ery-Ca; negatively) in decreasing order, indicating common transporters for Cd, Fe and Mn. There was no evidence of Cd uptake via Zn transporters, but the association between Ery-Cd and p-Ft seemed to be dependent on adequate Zn status. On average, Ery-Cd increased significantly by 0.2microg/kg from early pregnancy to 6 months postpartum, apparently due to up-regulated divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). In conclusion, intestinal uptake of Cd appears to be influenced either directly or indirectly by several micronutrients, in particular Fe, Mn and Zn. The negative association with Ca may suggest that Cd inhibits the transport of Ca to blood.

Discovery of ZIP transporters that participate in cadmium damage to testis and kidney

It has been known for decades that cadmium (Cd) must enter the cell to cause damage, but there was no mechanism to explain genetic differences in response to Cd toxicity until 2005. Starting with the mouse Cdm locus associated with differences in Cd-induced testicular necrosis between inbred strains, a 24.6-centiMorgan region on chromosome 3 was reduced ultimately to 880 kb; in this segment is the Slc39a8 gene encoding the ZIP8 Zn(2+)/HCO(3)(-) symporter. In endothelial cells of the testis vasculature, Cd-sensitive mice exhibit high ZIP8 expression, Cd-resistant mice exhibit very low expression. A 168.7-kb bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) from a 129S6 (Cd-sensitive) BAC library containing the Slc39a8 gene was inserted into the Cd-resistant C57BL/6J genome: Cd treatment produced testicular necrosis in BAC-transgenic BTZIP8-3 mice but not in non-transgenic littermates, thereby proving that the Slc39a8 gene is indeed the Cdm locus. Cd-induced renal failure also occurred in these BTZIP8-3 mice. Immunohistochemistry showed highly expressed ZIP8 protein in the renal proximal tubular epithelial apical surface, suggesting that ZIP8 participates in Cd-induced renal failure. Slc39a14, most closely evolutionarily related to Slc39a8, encodes differentially-spliced products ZIP14A and ZIP14B that display properties similar to ZIP8. ZIP8 in alveolar cells brings environmental Cd into the organism and ZIP14 in intestinal enterocytes carries Cd into the organism and into the hepatocyte. We believe these two transporters function endogenously as Zn(2+)/HCO(3)(-) symporters important in combating inflammation and carrying out other physiological functions; Cd is able to displace the endogenous cation, enter the cell, and produce tissue damage and disease.

Iron regulatory protein 1 is not an early target of cadmium toxicity in mice, but it is sensitive to cadmium stress in a human epithelial cell line

Disruption of iron homeostasis at the levels of intestinal absorption or erythropoiesis contributes to cadmium toxicity. Cellular iron homeostasis in metazoans is maintained by the iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) that regulate the synthesis of proteins involved in the transport, use, and storage of iron. The effect of cadmium intoxication on this regulatory system has been investigated in a cellular model of human epithelium. Cadmium exposure of HeLa cells did not activate the IRPs; rather, the amount of these proteins relative to that of housekeeping proteins decreased. Accordingly, the transferrin receptor mRNA level decreased upon cadmium insult. In a more integrated investigation, separate groups of mice had free access to different doses of cadmium in drinking water for 3 weeks. Cadmium accumulated in all analyzed organs, but its concentration in mouse tissues did not correlate with changes of the activity of the IRPs. The intoxicated mice did not show any sign of anemia, indicating that iron homeostasis was not immediately disrupted after the onset of cadmium accumulation. These data establish that cadmium destabilizes IRPs in mammalian cells, but that iron imbalance is not an early event of cadmium intoxication.

In vitro characterization of cadmium and zinc uptake via the gastro-intestinal tract of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Interactive effects and the influence of calcium

An in vitro gut sac technique was employed to study whether Cd and Zn uptake mechanisms in the gastro-intestinal tract of the rainbow trout are similar to those at the gills, where both metals are taken up via the Ca transport pathway. Metal accumulation in surface mucus, in the mucosal epithelium, and transport into the blood space were assayed using radiolabelled Cd or Zn concentrations of 50micromolL(-1) in the luminal (internal) saline. Elevated luminal Ca (10 or 100mmolL(-1)versus 1mmolL(-1)) reduced Cd uptake into all three phases by approximately 60% in the stomach, but had no effect in the anterior, mid, or posterior intestine. This finding is in accordance with recent in vivo evidence that Ca is taken up mainly via the stomach, and that high [Ca] diets inhibit Cd accumulation from the food specifically in this section of the tract. In contrast, 10mmolL(-1) luminal Ca had no effect on Zn transport in any section, whereas 100mmolL(-1) Ca stimulated Zn uptake, by approximately threefold, into all three phases in the stomach only. There was no influence of elevated luminal Zn (10mmolL(-1)) on Cd uptake in the stomach or anterior intestine, or of high Cd (10mmolL(-1)) on Zn uptake in these sections. However, high [Zn] stimulated Cd transport into the blood space but inhibited accumulation in the mucosal epithelium and/or mucus-binding in the mid and posterior intestine, whereas high [Cd] exerted a reciprocal effect in the mid-intestine only. We conclude that Cd uptake occurs via an important Ca-sensitive mechanism in the stomach which is different from that at the gills, while Cd transport mechanisms in the intestine are not directly Ca-sensitive. Zn uptake does not appear to involve Ca uptake pathways, in contrast to the gills. These results are discussed in the context of other possible Cd and Zn transport pathways, and the emerging role of the stomach as an organ of divalent metal uptake.

Slc39a14 gene encodes ZIP14, a metal/bicarbonate symporter: similarities to the ZIP8 transporter

The mouse and human genomes contain 14 highly conserved SLC39 genes. Viewed from an evolutionary perspective, SLC39A14 and SLC39A8 are the most closely related, each having three noncoding exons 1. However, SLC39A14 has two exons 4, giving rise to Zrt- and Irt-related protein (ZIP)ZIP14A and ZIP14B alternatively spliced products. C57BL/6J mouse ZIP14A expression is highest in liver, duodenum, kidney, and testis; ZIP14B expression is highest in liver, duodenum, brain, and testis; and ZIP8 is highest in lung, testis, and kidney. We studied ZIP14 stably retroviral-infected mouse fetal fibroblast cultures and transiently transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) polarized epithelial cells. Our findings include: 1) ZIP14-mediated cadmium uptake is proportional to cell toxicity, but manganese is not; 2) ZIP14B has a higher affinity than ZIP14A toward Cd(2+) (K(m) = 0.14 versus 1.1 microM) and Mn(2+) uptake (K(m) = 4.4 versus 18.2 microM); 3) ZIP14A- and ZIP14B-mediated Cd(2+) uptake is most inhibited by Zn(2+), and next by Mn(2+) and Cu(2+); 4) like ZIP8, ZIP14A- and ZIP14B-mediated Cd(2+) uptake is dependent on extracellular HCO(3)(-); 5) like ZIP8, ZIP14 transporters are localized on the apical surface of MDCK-ZIP cells; and 6) like ZIP8, ZIP14 proteins are glycosylated. Tissues such as intestine and liver, located between the environment and the animal, show high levels of ZIP14; given the high affinity for ZIP14, Cd(2+) is likely to act as a rogue hitchhiker-displacing Zn(2+) or Mn(2+) and entering the body to cause unwanted cell damage and disease.

Cd2+ versus Zn2+ uptake by the ZIP8 HCO3--dependent symporter: kinetics, electrogenicity and trafficking

The mouse Slc39a8 gene encodes the ZIP8 transporter, which has been shown to be a divalent cation/HCO3- symporter. Using ZIP8 cRNA-injected Xenopus oocyte cultures, we show herein that: [a] ZIP8-mediated cadmium (Cd(2+)) and zinc (Zn(2+)) uptake have V(max) values of 1.8+/-0.08 and 1.0+/-0.08 pmol/oocyte/h, and K(m) values of 0.48+/-0.08 and 0.26+/-0.09 microM, respectively; [b] ZIP8-mediated Cd(2+) uptake is most inhibited by Zn(2+), second-best inhibited by Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Hg(2+), and not inhibited by Mn(2+) or Fe(2+); and [c] electrogenicity studies demonstrate an influx of two HCO3- anions per one Cd(2+) (or one Zn(2+)) cation, i.e. electroneutral complexes. Using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) polarized epithelial cells retrovirally infected with ZIP8 cDNA and tagged with hemagglutinin at the C-terminus, we show that-similar to ZIP4-the ZIP8 eight-transmembrane protein is largely internalized during Zn(2+) homeostasis, but moves predominantly to the cell surface membrane (trafficking) under conditions of Zn(2+) depletion.

Metal transporters in intestine and brain: their involvement in metal-associated neurotoxicities

The transport of essential metals and other nutrients across tight membrane barriers such as the gastrointestinal tract and blood-brain barrier is mediated by specific transport mechanisms. Specific transporters take up metals at the apical surface and export them at the basolateral surface, and are involved in their intracellular distribution. Transporters for each of the major essential metals, calcium, iron and zinc, have been identified. These transporters also mediate the transport of non-essential metals across tight membrane barriers. For example, the intestinal iron transporter divalent metal transporter 1 mediates the uptake of lead and cadmium. The levels of essential metals are strictly regulated by transporters. When dietary levels of essential metals are low, levels of the corresponding transporters increase in the intestine, after which there is a greater potential for increased transport of toxic metals. In the brain, the strict regulation of metals prevents injury that potentially would result from oxidative damage induced by the essential metals iron, copper and zinc. Indeed, the oxidative damage found in neurodegenerative diseases is likely to be due to higher levels of these metals. Involvement of intracellular transporters for copper and zinc has been shown in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, raising the possibility that higher levels of iron, zinc and copper might be due to a disruption in the activity of transporters. Accordingly, exposure to toxicants that affect the activity of transporters potentially could contribute to the aetiology/progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Iron and cadmium uptake by duodenum of hypotransferrinaemic mice

Absorption from food is an important route for entry of the toxic metal, cadmium, into the body. Both cadmium and iron are believed to be taken up by duodenal enterocytes via the iron regulated, proton-coupled transporter, DMT1. This means that cadmium uptake could be enhanced in conditions where iron absorption is increased. We measured pH dependent uptake of (109)Cd and (59)Fe by duodenum from mice with an in vitro method. Mice with experimental (hypoxia, iron deficiency) or hereditary (hypotransferrinaemia) increased iron absorption were studied. All three groups of mice showed increased (59)Fe uptake (p<0.05) compared to their respective controls. Hypotransferrinaemic and iron deficient mice exhibited an increase in (109)Cd uptake (p<0.05). Cadmium uptake was not, however, increased by lowering the medium pH from 7.4 to 6. In contrast, (59)Fe uptake (from (59)FeNTA(2)) and ferric reductase activity was increased by lowering medium pH in control and iron deficient mice (p<0.05). The data show that duodenal cadmium uptake can be increased by hereditary iron overload conditions. The uptake is not, however, altered by lowering medium pH suggesting that DMT1-independent uptake pathways may operate.

Comparison of mammalian cell lines expressing distinct isoforms of divalent metal transporter 1 in a tetracycline-regulated fashion

DMT1 (divalent metal transporter; also known as SLC11A2, DCT1 or Nramp2) is responsible for ferrous iron uptake in the duodenum, iron exit from endosomes during the transferrin cycle and some transferrin-independent iron uptake in many cells. Four protein isoforms differ by starting in exon 1A or 2 and ending with alternative peptides encoded by mRNA that contains or lacks an IRE (iron responsive element; +/-IRE). We have compared 1A/+IRE and 2/-IRE DMT1 during regulated ectopic expression. HEK-293-F (human embryonic kidney-293-fast growing variant) cells were stably transfected with each construct expressed from a tetracycline-regulated CMV promoter. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed that construct expression responded to doxycycline. Immunofluorescence staining of cells, using antibodies specific for DMT1 isoforms, confirmed an increase in expression in the plasma membrane and cytosolic vesicles after doxycycline treatment, but with isoform specific distributions. Immunoblotting also revealed stimulation of expression. Nevertheless, both DMT1 isoforms performed similarly in assays for functional properties based on 54Mn2+ and 59Fe2+ uptake. Mn incorporation after doxycycline treatment was approximately 10-fold greater than that of untreated cells, while expression in the untreated cells was approximately 5-fold greater than in the untransfected cells. Uptake of Mn depended on addition of doxycycline, with half maximal response at approximately 1 nM doxycycline. Doxycycline-stimulated Mn and Fe uptake was linear with time for 10 min but not over longer periods. Transport exhibited a pH optimum at approximately 5.5 and dependence on incubation temperature and Mn or Fe concentration. The new cell lines should prove useful for research on metal homoeostasis, toxicological studies and efforts to identify distinctive properties of the isoforms.

Reciprocal inhibition of Cd(2+) and Ca(2+) uptake in human intestinal crypt cells for voltage-independent Zn-activated pathways

Cadmium-Ca-Zn interactions for uptake have been studied in human intestinal crypt cells HIEC. Our results failed to demonstrate any significant cross-inhibition between Cd and Ca uptake under single metal exposure conditions. However, they revealed a strong reciprocal inhibition for a Zn-stimulated mechanism of transport. Optimal stimulation was observed under exposure conditions that favor an inward-directed Zn gradient, suggesting activation by extracellular rather than intracellular Zn. The effect of Zn on the uptake of Ca was concentration-dependent, and zinc-induced stimulation of Cd uptake resulted in a 3- and 5.8-fold increase in the K(m) and V(max) values, respectively. Neither basal nor Zn-stimulated Ca uptakes were sensitive to membrane depolarization. However, the stimulated component of uptake was inhibited by the trivalent cations Gd(3+), and La(3+) and to a lesser extent by Mg(2+) and Ba(2+). RT-PCR analysis as well as uptake measurement performed with extracellular ATP and/or suramin do not support the involvement of purinergic P2X receptor channels. Uptake and fluorescence data led to the conclusion that Zn is unlikely to trigger Ca influx in response to Ca release from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular pools. Our data show that Zn may potentiate Cd accumulation in intestinal crypt cells through mechanism that still needs to be clarified.

A possible mechanism of resistance to cadmium toxicity in male Long-Evans rats

The susceptibility to cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity in male Long-Evans (LE) rats was compared with that in male Fischer 344 (Fischer) and Wistar-Imamichi (WI) rats, which are sensitive and resistant, respectively, to Cd toxicity. All rats of the LE and WI strains survived for 7 days after the treatment with a toxic dose of Cd (6.5mg/kg b.w.). However, all rats of the Fischer strain died by the following day. The strong resistance to Cd toxicity in the LE strain was confirmed to be independent of metallothionein synthesis induced by Cd. The hepatic and renal Cd contents after its administration were significantly lower in the LE strain than in the Fischer strain. Furthermore, the hepatic and renal zinc (Zn) contents after its administration were significantly lower in the LE strain than in the Fischer strain. These limited data suggest that the strong resistance to Cd toxicity in male LE rats results from, at least in part, the lower accumulation of the metal in the liver and kidney, in a similar mechanism as the lower Zn accumulation.

Characterization of cadmium uptake in human intestinal crypt cells HIEC in relation to inorganic metal speciation

Cadmium (Cd) uptake was studied under inorganic exposure conditions in normal human intestinal crypt cells HIEC. The uptake time course of 0.3 microM Cd in a serum-free chloride medium was analyzed according to a first order equation with rapid initial (U0) and maximal (Umax) accumulation values of 14.1+/-1.4pmol/mgprotein and 41.4+/-2.0 pmol/mgprotein, respectively. The presence of a 300-fold excess of unlabeled Cd dramatically decreased tracer uptake, showing the involvement of specific mechanism(s) of transport. Our speciation studies revealed the preferential uptake of the free ion Cd2+, but also suggested that CdCln(2-n) species may contribute to Cd accumulation. Specific mechanisms of transport of very high and similar affinity (Km approximately 5 microM) have been characterized under both chloride and nitrate exposure conditions, but a two-fold higher capacity (Vmax) was estimated in the nitrate medium used to increase [Cd2+] over chlorocomplex formation. A clear inhibition of 109Cd uptake was observed at external acidic pH under both exposure media. An La-inhibitible 46% increase in 109Cd uptake was obtained in nominally Ca-free nitrate medium, whereas Zn provided additional inhibition. These results show different kinetic parameters for Cd uptake as a function of inorganic metal speciation. Cd2+ uptake would not involve the H+-coupled symport NRAMP2 but would be related instead to the Ca and/or Zn pathways. Because proliferative crypt cells play a critical role in the renewal process of the entire intestinal epithelium, studies on the impact of Cd on HIEC cell functions clearly deserve further investigation.

An approach to As(III) and As(V) bioavailability studies with Caco-2 cells

Foods and drinking water are the main sources of human exposure to inorganic arsenic [As(III) and As(V)]. After oral ingestion, the intestinal epithelium is the first barrier to absorption of these species. A human intestinal cell line (Caco-2) was used to evaluate cell retention and transport of As(III) (15.6-156.0 microM) and/or As(V) (15.4-170.6 microM). Cell monolayer integrity, cell viability, membrane damage and effects on cell metabolism were evaluated. Only the highest concentrations assayed [As(III): 156.0 microM; As(V): 170.6 microM] produced a cytotoxic effect with different cellular targets: As(III) altered the permeability of tight junctions, and As(V) caused uncoupling of the respiratory chain. Retention and transport of As(III) was more efficient than that of As(V). After 4h of exposure to As(III) or As(V), monolayer retention percentages varied between 0.87-2.28% and 0.14-0.39%, respectively. Transepithelial transport was greater for As(III) (5.82-7.71%) than for As(V) (not detectable-1.55%). The addition of As(III) and As(V) jointly produced a transport rate similar to that observed when they were added independently.

Reciprocal inhibition of Cd and Pb sulfocomplexes for uptake in Caco-2 cells

Cadmium-lead interactions for uptake were studied in the TC7 clone of human enterocytic-like Caco-2 cells as a function of inorganic metal speciation. We have previously shown that Cd uptake in these cells involves both the free cation Cd2+ and chlorocomplex (CdCln(2-n)) species. Here we show 1.9 times higher uptake levels for 109CdCln(2-n) compared to 210PbCln(2-n). Reciprocal inhibitions of chlorocomplexes were observed with a much higher inhibitory effect of Cd compared to Pb. Replacing Cl- by NO3- increased both the level of aquo ion 109Cd2+ and 109Cd accumulation. In contrast, higher levels of 210Pb2+ did not favor 210Pb uptake. For both metals, higher uptake data were recorded in the presence of SO4(2-), leading to sulfocomplex formation, compared with Cl-. Reciprocal inhibitions were minimal at high-cation levels but were significant and comparable in the presence of sulfo-complexes. We conclude that, in addition to Cd2+ (but not Pb2+), sulfocomplexes of both metals would preferentially be taken up compared to chlorocomplexes. NRAMP2 is not involved in Pb2+ uptake, and the NRAMP2-mediated Cd2+ uptake is insensitive to Pb. Uptake of Pb chlorocomplexes could involve specific mechanisms but of very low affinity, whereas uptake of Pb sulfocomplexes occurs with high affinity.

Functional consequences of the human DMT1 (SLC11A2) mutation on protein expression and iron uptake

We have previously described a case of severe hypochromic microcytic anemia caused by a homozygous mutation in the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1 1285G > C). This mutation encodes for an amino acid substitution (E399D) and causes preferential skipping of exon 12 during processing of the DMT1 mRNA. To examine the functional consequences of this mutation, full-length DMT1 transcript with the patient's point mutation or a DMT1 transcript with exon 12 deleted was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Our results demonstrate that the E399D substitution has no effect on protein expression and function. In contrast, deletion of exon 12 led to a decreased expression of the protein and disruption of its subcellular localization and iron uptake activity. We hypothesize that the residual protein in hematopoietic cells represents the functional E399D DMT1 variant, but because of its quantitative reduction, the iron uptake activity of DMT1 in the patient's erythroid cells is severely suppressed.

Molecular and ionic mimicry and the transport of toxic metals

Despite many scientific advances, human exposure to, and intoxication by, toxic metal species continues to occur. Surprisingly, little is understood about the mechanisms by which certain metals and metal-containing species gain entry into target cells. Since there do not appear to be transporters designed specifically for the entry of most toxic metal species into mammalian cells, it has been postulated that some of these metals gain entry into target cells, through the mechanisms of ionic and/or molecular mimicry, at the site of transporters of essential elements and/or molecules. The primary purpose of this review is to discuss the transport of selective toxic metals in target organs and provide evidence supporting a role of ionic and/or molecular mimicry. In the context of this review, molecular mimicry refers to the ability of a metal ion to bond to an endogenous organic molecule to form an organic metal species that acts as a functional or structural mimic of essential molecules at the sites of transporters of those molecules. Ionic mimicry refers to the ability of a cationic form of a toxic metal to mimic an essential element or cationic species of an element at the site of a transporter of that element. Molecular and ionic mimics can also be sub-classified as structural or functional mimics. This review will present the established and putative roles of molecular and ionic mimicry in the transport of mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, selenium, and selected oxyanions in target organs and tissues.

The effect of pH, time and dietary source of cadmium on the bioaccessibility and adsorption of cadmium to/from lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ostinata)

This study evaluated the influence of three variables in the effectiveness of an in vitro digestion protocol used to determine bioaccessibility of cadmium from the diet. The percentage of solubilized metal was measured in relation to digestion time, pH of each digestion phase and the dietary source of the metal in the diet. Because it would be convenient to add the metal to the diet before digestion instead of growing contaminated vegetables, the importance of metal incorporation in the plant in comparison to amendment through foliar spraying was also studied. From our results we conclude that the dietary source of metal in the protocols tested doesn't seem to be a significant factor when comparing the lettuce sprayed with cadmium with the lettuce that had cadmium incorporated in it, although the difference was barely significant (P=0.057). Time affects the digestion in different ways depending on the dietary source of cadmium. pH is a relevant factor in both intestinal and gastric phases and should be taken into consideration when analyzing the results from in vitro digestions. Since the intestinal phase in our experiments decreased the amount of cadmium solubilized during the digestion, we investigated the effect of pH on the adsorption of this metal to lettuce and found that there is an increased binding of cadmium at pH values above 3. Therefore we suggest that part of the reduction in bioaccessibility following intestinal digestion could be explained by an increase in adsorption of metal to the plant material at higher pH values.

Comprehensive study of the effects of age, iron deficiency, diabetes mellitus, and cadmium burden on dietary cadmium absorption in cadmium-exposed female Japanese farmers

The absorption rate of dietary cadmium (Cd) was investigated among 38 female farmers who had been exposed to Cd at levels close to the current provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI); these levels were much higher than those examined in previous studies. The study group composed of 7 diabetics and their 13 age-matched controls and 6 anemic subjects and their 12 controls. With their informed consent, the study participants were confined in an inn for 7 nights and 8 days to collect all feces and urine and duplicates of all food consumed. The dietary Cd absorption rate was calculated for each subject from her total Cd intake and fecal excretion. The means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the diabetic group and the anemic group did not differ significantly from those of their respective controls. By individual analysis using all 38 subjects, however, significant Pearson's correlation coefficients were observed between Cd absorption rate and age, serum ferritin, serum iron, and blood and urine Cd levels. Among these, multiple regression analysis revealed that only age was a significant factor contributing to Cd absorption rate. The actual Cd absorption rate in the youngest age group (20-39 years) was 44.0%, which was highly accelerated compared with the rate in the total subject group of 6.5%, while zero to negative balance was observed in the older subjects. These results demonstrate that age, rather than iron deficiency, diabetes mellitus (DM), or Cd burden, is the only independent factor affecting the Cd absorption rate, suggesting that young women are always at high risk.

Cadmium uptake in rat hepatocytes in relation to speciation and to complexation with metallothionein and albumin

Cadmium (Cd) uptake has been studied in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes focusing on the impact of inorganic and organic speciation. Uptake time-course studies over a 60-min exposure to 0.3 microM (109)Cd revealed a zero-time uptake and a slower process of accumulation which proceeds within minutes. (109)Cd uptake showed saturation kinetics (K(m) = 3.5 +/- 0.8 microM), and was highly sensitive to inhibition by Zn and Hg. There was no evidence for sensitivity to the external pH nor for any preferential transport of the free cation Cd(2+) over CdCl(n) (2-n) chloro-complexes. According to the assumption that only inorganic metal species are available, metal uptake decreased upon albumin (BSA) addition to the exposure media. In contrast, higher levels of (109)Cd accumulation were obtained under optimal conditions for Cd complexation by MT. Comparison among uptake data obtained under inorganic and organic conditions revealed that Cd-MT would be taken up 0.4 times as rapidly as Cd(inorg). We conclude that uptake of Cd in rat hepatocytes involves specific transport mechanism(s) subjected to Zn or Hg interactions. Uptake of inorganic Cd is not proportional to the levels of free Cd(2+) and does not involve the divalent cation transporter DCT1 nor the co-transporter Fe(2+)-H(+) NRAMP2. We found Cd-MT but not Cd-BSA to be available for the liver cells, and have estimated a binding affinity four orders of magnitude higher for Cd complexation with MT compared to BSA; MT may have a significant role in Cd delivery to the liver.

Divalent Metal Transporter 1 in Lead and Cadmium Transport

The effect of exposure to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) on human health has been recognized for many years and recent information suggests that minimal exposure levels are themselves too high. Common scenarios for Pb exposure include occupational, residential, and/or behavioral (hand-to-mouth activity) settings. The main source of Cd exposure for nonsmokers is dietary, through plants or animals that accumulate the metal. Specific cellular importers for Pb and Cd are unlikely as these metals are nonessential and toxic. Accordingly, in the intestine, the operational mechanism is assumed to be inadvertent uptake through pathways intended for essential nutrients such as iron. Results from experimental and epidemiological studies indicated that diets low in iron (Fe) result in increased absorption of Pb and Cd, suggesting common molecular mechanisms of Cd and Pb transport. Indeed, recent mechanistic studies found that the intestinal transporter for nonheme iron, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), mediates the transport of Pb and Cd. DMT1 is regulated, in part, by dietary iron, and chemical species of Cd and Pb that are transported by DMT1 would be made available through digestion and are also found in plasma. Accordingly, the involvement of DMT1 in metal uptake offers a mechanistic explanation for why an iron-deficient diet is a risk factor for Pb and Cd poisoning. It also suggests that diets rich in iron-containing food could be protective against heavy metal poisoning.

Toxicity of environmental lead and the influence of intestinal absorption in children

Exposure to metals, particularly lead, remains a widespread issue that is associated with historical and current industrial practices. Whereas the toxic properties of metals are well described, exposure to metals per se is only one of many factors contributing to elevated blood metal concentrations and their consequent health effects in humans. The absorbed dose of metal is affected by geochemical, biochemical, and physiological parameters that influence the rate and extent of absorption. In children, the interplay among these factors can be of critical importance, especially when biochemical and physiological processes might not have matured to their normal adult status. Such immaturity represents an elevated risk to metal-exposed children because they might be more susceptible to enhanced absorption, especially via the oral route. This review brings together the more recent findings on the physiological mechanisms of metal absorption, especially lead, and examines several models that can be useful in assessing the potential for metal uptake in children.

DMT1, a physiologically relevant apical Cu1+ transporter of intestinal cells

Despite important advances in the understanding of copper secretion and excretion, the molecular components of intestinal copper absorption remain a mystery. DMT1, also known as Nramp2 and DCT1, is the transporter responsible for intestinal iron uptake. Electrophysiological evidence suggests that DMT1 can also be a copper transporter. Thus we examined the potential role of DMT1 as a copper transporter in intestinal Caco-2 cells. Treatment of cells with a DMT1 antisense oligonucleotide resulted in 80 and 48% inhibition of iron and copper uptake, respectively. Cells incorporated considerable amounts of copper as Cu(1+), whereas Cu(2+) transport was about 10-fold lower. Cu(1+) inhibited apical Fe(2+) transport. Fe(2+), but not Fe(3+), effectively inhibited Cu(1+) uptake. The iron content of the cells influenced both copper and iron uptake. Cells with low iron content transported fourfold more iron and threefold more copper than cells with high iron content. These results demonstrate that DMT1 is a physiologically relevant Cu(1+) transporter in intestinal cells, indicating that intestinal absorption of copper and iron are intertwined.

Different transport mechanisms for cadmium and mercury in Caco-2 cells: inhibition of Cd uptake by Hg without evidence for reciprocal effects

Cadmium/Hg interactions have been studied in the TC7 clone of the enterocytic-like Caco-2 cells to test the hypothesis that these metals may compete for intestinal transport. Comparison of the kinetic parameter values for 203Hg(II) and 109Cd(II) uptake in a serum-free medium revealed that Hg is accumulated much more rapidly and to higher concentrations. The very rapid uptake/binding step and the initial uptake rate of 109Cd were both significantly inhibited by an excess of unlabeled Cd or Hg (apparent K(i) for Hg of 9.3 +/- 1.2 microM) without reciprocal effects. 109cadmium uptake was highly sensitive to temperature and a significant fraction of accumulation (12%) was EDTA extractable. 203Hg uptake remained insensitive to temperature or the EDTA washing procedure. However, the uptake of both tracers was half-decreased when an excess of the respective unlabeled metal was added in the stop solution, suggesting an exchange mechanism for adsorption. Cell pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) led to a 30% decrease or a 73% increase in the 3-min specific transport of 109Cd when NEM was still present in or removed from the uptake medium, respectively. NEM had no effect on 203Hg uptake. Overall our results suggest the involvement of a saturable specific mechanism for Cd, which is highly sensitive to inhibition by Hg and NEM under some conditions, and a nonspecific passive diffusion for Hg. The Hg- or NEM-induced inhibition of Cd uptake likely involves a thiol-mediated reaction, but our results suggest that NEM pretreatment may activate other cellular mechanisms leading to a stimulatory effect.

Cadmium transport by human Nramp 2 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, human Nramp2, a human intestinal iron transporter, was shown to work as a cadmium transporter. An 1824-bp human Nramp2 cDNA was constructed by PCR cloning from reverse transcription products of human kidney mRNA. When the pH of the extracellular solution was 6.0, human Nramp2 transported (109)Cd(2+). Substitution of external Cl(-) with NO3- had no effect on human Nramp2-dependent cadmium uptake. The concentration-dependent Cd(2+) transport of human Nramp2 indicated Michaelis-Menten type transport with an average K(m) value of 1.04 +/- 0.13 microM and an average V(max) of 14.7 +/- 1.9 pmol/oocyte/h (n = 3). Cd(2+) transport via human Nramp2 was inhibited significantly by Cd(2+), Fe(2+), Pb(2+), Mn(2+), Cu(2+), and Ni(2+), while it was not inhibited by Hg(2+) and Zn(2+). Transport of 0.1 microM Cd(2+) by human Nramp2 was inhibited by metallothionein (IC50 = 0.14 microM). Therefore, human Nramp2 is suggested to function as a pH-dependent cadmium absorption transporter on the luminal membrane of human intestinal cells.

Molecular handling of cadmium in transporting epithelia

Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial and environmental pollutant that affects adversely a number of organs in humans and other mammals, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, testis, and placenta. The liver and kidneys, which are the primary organs involved in the elimination of systemic Cd, are especially sensitive to the toxic effects of Cd. Because Cd ions possess a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups and thiolate anions, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the handling and toxicity of Cd in target organs can be defined largely by the molecular interactions that occur between Cd ions and various sulfhydryl-containing molecules that are present in both the intracellular and extracellular compartments. A great deal of scientific data have been collected over the years to better define the toxic effects of Cd in the primary target organs. Notwithstanding all of the new developments made and information gathered, it is surprising that very little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the uptake, retention, and elimination of Cd in target epithelial cells. Therefore, the primary purpose of this review is to summarize and put into perspective some of the more salient current findings, assertions, and hypotheses pertaining to the transport and handling of Cd in the epithelial cells of target organs. Particular attention has been placed on the molecular mechanisms involved in the absorption, retention, and secretion of Cd in small intestinal enterocytes, hepatocytes, and tubular epithelial cells lining both proximal and distal portions of the nephron. The purpose of this review is not only to provide a summary of published findings but also to provide speculations and testable hypotheses based on contemporary findings made in other areas of research, with the hope that they may promote and serve as the impetus for future investigations designed to define more precisely the cellular mechanisms involved in the transport and handling of Cd within the body.

Effect of DMT1 knockdown on iron, cadmium, and lead uptake in Caco-2 cells

DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1) is a hydrogen-coupled divalent metal transporter with a substrate preference for iron, although the protein when expressed in frog oocytes transports a broad range of metals, including the toxic metals cadmium and lead. Wild-type Caco-2 cells displayed saturable transport of lead and iron that was stimulated by acid. Cadmium and manganese inhibited transport of iron, but zinc and lead did not. The involvement of DMT1 in the transport of toxic metals was examined by establishing clonal DMT1 knockdown and control Caco-2 cell lines. Knockdown cell lines displayed much lower levels of DMT1 mRNA and a smaller V(max) for iron uptake compared with control cell lines. One clone was further characterized and found to display an approximately 50% reduction in uptake of iron across a pH range from 5.5 to 7.4. Uptake for cadmium also decreased 50% across the same pH range, but uptake for lead did not. These results show that DMT1 is important in iron and cadmium transport in Caco-2 cells but that lead enters these cells through an independent hydrogen-driven mechanism.