In vitro cadmium exposure induces structural damage and endothelial dysfunction in female rat aorta.

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is widespread in the environment and has been described as a metalloestrogen and a cardiovascular risk factor. Experimental studies conducted in male animals have shown that cadmium exposure induces vascular dysfunction, which could lead to vasculopathies caused by this metal. However, it is necessary to investigate the vascular effects of cadmium in female rats to understand its potential sex-dependent impact on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular Harmful Effects of Recommended Daily Doses (13 µg/kg/day), Tolerable Upper Intake Doses (0.14 mg/kg/day) and Twice the Tolerable Doses (0.28 mg/kg/day) of Copper.

Copper is essential for homeostasis and regulation of body functions, but in excess, it is a cardiovascular risk factor since it increases oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to the recommended daily dose (13 µg/kg/day), upper tolerable dose (0.14 mg/kg/day) and twice the upper tolerable dose (0.

Oxidative Stress Induced by 30 Days of Mercury Exposure Accelerates Hypertension Development in Prehypertensive Young SHRs.

Mercury is considered a risk factor for the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether the effects of mercury exposure on haemodynamic parameters of young Wistar rats and prehypertensive SHRs might alter the time course of hypertension development. Young (4 weeks) male Wistar rats and SHRs were randomly assigned to four groups: untreated Wistar rats (Wistar Ct), Wistar rats exposed to mercury chloride for 30 days (Wistar Hg), untreated SHRs (SHR Ct) and SHRs exposed to mercury chloride (SHR Hg) for 30 days.

Chronic mercury exposure induces oxidative stress in female rats by endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and cyclooxygenase-2 activation, without affecting oestrogen receptor function.

Mercury has been shown to be a significant health risk factor and is positively associated with cardiovascular diseases. Evidence reveals that men are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than women during reproductive age. However, the effects of mercury in females remain poorly investigated, despite the finding that female hormones demonstrate a cardioprotective role.

Chronic Mercury Exposure in Prehypertensive SHRs Accelerates Hypertension Development and Activates Vasoprotective Mechanisms by Increasing NO and HO Production.

Mercury is a heavy metal associated with cardiovascular diseases. Studies have reported increased vascular reactivity without changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after chronic mercury chloride (HgCl) exposure, an inorganic form of the metal, in normotensive rats. However, we do not know whether individuals in the prehypertensive phase, such as young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), are susceptible to increased arterial blood pressure.