Cadmium exposure induces histological damage and cytotoxicity in the cardiovascular system of mice

Epidemiological studies have reported an association between chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure and increased cardiovascular risk; however, their causal relationship remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of Cd exposure on the cardiac and arterial systems in mice. According to the concentration of cadmium chloride in drinking water, male mice were randomly divided into control and low-dose and high-dose Cd exposure groups. The intervention duration was 12 weeks. In cardiac tissues, Cd exposure led to focal necrosis, myofibril disarray, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, and disorganized sarcomere structures. Cd also induced the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and increased the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-14 in cardiac tissues. In the arterial tissues, Cd exposure damaged the intimal and medial layers of the aorta. Cd further reduced the viability of aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro. This study provides evidence for the Cd-induced damage of the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to various cardiovascular diseases.