Cadmium and Its Neurotoxic Effects

Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, has gained significant attention due to its detrimental effects on the nervous system. This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of cadmium's neurotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of studying its impact on neurohealth. The chapter begins with an introduction that outlines cadmium as a toxic heavy metal and emphasizes the need to understand its neurotoxic effects. It then delves into the sources and exposure routes of cadmium, including natural and anthropogenic sources, occupational exposure, and dietary intake. The implications of cadmium contamination in food are also discussed in this section. Next, the chapter explores the absorption and distribution of cadmium within the body, focusing on the mechanisms of absorption, tissue distribution, and factors influencing cadmium metabolism. This understanding sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the neurological effects of cadmium. It highlights cadmium-induced neurotoxicity, its manifestations, and the impacts on the central nervous system (CNS). The chapter also investigates the neurodevelopmental effects, cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and psychological disorders associated with cadmium exposure. The mechanisms underlying cadmium neurotoxicity are then examined, including oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter and synapse function impairment, inflammation, immune responses in the CNS, and epigenetic alterations. The chapter further explores the connection between cadmium exposure and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, along with other conditions associated with cadmium exposure. The vulnerability of certain populations, such as children and the aging population, to cadmium neurotoxicity is addressed, as well as potential gender differences. The chapter also discusses various methods and techniques for detecting and assessing cadmium neurotoxicity, including biomarkers, measuring cadmium concentration in biological samples, and neurological assessment methods. Moreover, preventive measures and mitigation strategies are outlined to address cadmium neurotoxicity. Occupational safety measures and environmental policies are discussed, along with dietary guidelines and pharmacological interventions such as chelating agents. In conclusion, the chapter summarizes the neurotoxic effects of cadmium, emphasizes the significance of further research, and provides strategies for reducing cadmium exposure and safeguarding neurohealth. This comprehensive examination of cadmium and its neurotoxic effects contributes to our understanding of the potential risks associated with cadmium exposure and informs future research endeavors to protect individuals from its deleterious effects on the nervous system.