Heavy Metal(loid) Accumulation in the Ovarian Tissue of Free-Ranging Queens and Bitches Inhabiting Highly Polluted Urban Environments

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Abstract

There is strong scientific evidence that exposure to environmental contaminants, such as heavy metal(loid)s (HMs), can impair female reproductive function. Pets, such as cats and dogs, who share the same habitat as humans, may be particularly useful sentinel models for detecting HMs in the ovary. In the present study, we compared the concentration of essential (Ems; Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn) and non-essential metal(loid)s (NEMs; Al, As, Cd, and Pb) in the ovarian tissues of free-ranging queens and bitches of different ages living in industrialized/highly polluted (south group) and non-polluted (north group) urban areas of the island of Sardinia, Italy. The results showed that both EMs and NEMs were present at detectable concentrations in feline and canine ovaries and their levels varied according to geographical areas and animal age. Among the EMs, Cu was found elevated in older queens and bitches inhabiting the southern area. Cadmium and lead were higher in feline and canine ovaries of older animals from the south compared to those living in the north. In addition, Cd and Pb concentrations increased in individuals of both species living in the south. These findings showed new perspectives for the use of pets as early warning sentinels of environmental pollution by HMs and for the risk of human exposure within a “One Health” approach. Pets may help to study the link between exposure to metals and female reproductive disturbances in mammals.

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Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic

Mahdi Balali-Mood, Kobra Naseri, Zoya Tahergorabi … (2021)

The industrial activities of the last century have caused massive increases in human exposure to heavy metals. Mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic have been the most common heavy metals that induced human poisonings. Here, we reviewed the mechanistic action of these heavy metals according to the available animal and human studies. Acute or chronic poisonings may occur following exposure through water, air, and food. Bioaccumulation of these heavy metals leads to a diversity of toxic effects on a variety of body tissues and organs. Heavy metals disrupt cellular events including growth, proliferation, differentiation, damage-repairing processes, and apoptosis. Comparison of the mechanisms of action reveals similar pathways for these metals to induce toxicity including ROS generation, weakening of the antioxidant defense, enzyme inactivation, and oxidative stress. On the other hand, some of them have selective binding to specific macromolecules. The interaction of lead with aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and ferrochelatase is within this context. Reactions of other heavy metals with certain proteins were discussed as well. Some toxic metals including chromium, cadmium, and arsenic cause genomic instability. Defects in DNA repair following the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage by the three metals have been considered as the cause of their carcinogenicity. Even with the current knowledge of hazards of heavy metals, the incidence of poisoning remains considerable and requires preventive and effective treatment. The application of chelation therapy for the management of metal poisoning could be another aspect of heavy metals to be reviewed in the future.