Teratogenic effect of cadmium: From the developing embryo to the fetus

Abstract

Cadmium is recognized as a toxic metal recognized by the United Nations Organization list, and also a potential teratogen in humans. Objective: Of this study was to review the teratogenic effects of Cd in the human embryonic development from pre implantation, implantation and post implantation, and impact on the placenta and fetus. Methodology: The levels of ingestion varies by country, being seafood and tobacco smoke the principal reported sources. This metal has a long half-life, ranging from 75 days to 26 years, and is associated in humans to many cancers. Results: The teratogenic impact of cadmium in each stage of the developing embryo is clear in animal models, but not in humans. Conclusions: In the pre-implantation phase it affects the progression from the two-cell stages to morula; in the implantation phase it affects the trophoblastic invasion; in post-implantation phase it affects organogenesis; in the placenta it decrease Zinc levels in the fetus.

Keywords

• Cadmio
• teratogénesis
• carcinogénesis
• desarrollo embrionario