Cadmium Interaction with Iron Metabolism, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of Cadmium on iron metabolism. Iron as a complex with citric acid (1: 20) binds to human serum apo-transferrin (apo-tf). Addition of varying concentrations of Cadmium to the reaction mixtures reduces iron uptake by approximately 30 percent. Daily administration (i. p.) of Cadmium as CdCl2 (2 mg/kg) for 10 days reduced serum levels of hemoglobin (Hb), iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin by 26, 39, 20 and 47 percent respectively.
Administration of Cadmium as CdCl2 (200 g/kg) daily for 60 days reduced serum Hb, iron, TIBC and ferritin concentrations by 17, 26, 15 and 29 percent respectively in comparison to control findings.
Inspite of reduction in hemoglobin level in Cadmium treated rat no inhibition effect of Cadmium on mitochondrial ferrochelatase activity was seen. A possible mechanism for hematological disorders following Cadmium intoxication is considered.