Biochemical mechanisms of free-radical damage to the nuclear genome by cadmium

Abstract

Cadmium, has been used for many years in industry and agriculture. Its active use is associated with a danger to human health due to a significant toxic effect on the body. The purpose of the review was to analyze the literature data and the results of our own experimental research on the biochemical mechanisms of the toxic effect of cadmium on the nuclear chromatin of cells, primarily the liver. Based on this analysis, the concept that the toxicity of cadmium is associated with damage caused by cadmium-induced free radicals was confirmed. The reactive oxygen species formed in this way are active damaging agents that cause toxic effects, including mutagenic, which ultimately leads to apoptosis and cell death.

Keywords

• cadmium
• chromatin
• DNA-damaging effect
• toxicity