ISSN : 2663-2187

Investigating the synergistic effects of cadmium chloride and oxidative stress on male rats' immunity

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Safaa Adnan Khudhair, Sanaz Sheikhzadeh
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.12665-12677

Abstract

This research investigates the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and their synergistic effects on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various tissues of male albino rats. The rats were exposed to 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and 1 mM H₂O₂ for 7, 15, and 30 days. Levels of cadmium and hydrogen peroxide in blood, liver, spleen, kidney, testes, and adrenal gland tissues were measured using appropriate analytical methods. Additionally, ROS production in blood and liver cells was assessed using flow cytometry. Importantly, the combination of cadmium and hydrogen peroxide showed a significant synergistic effect (P<0.001) on the bioaccumulation of both agents. This synergistic effect was associated with a notable increase in ROS production in blood and liver cells. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in the group receiving both cadmium and hydrogen peroxide was significantly higher than in groups receiving either cadmium or hydrogen peroxide alone (MFI: 1142 in blood cells and 805 in liver cells compared to MFI: 416 and 256 for cadmium, and 256 and 206 for hydrogen peroxide, in blood and liver respectively). These findings indicate heightened oxidative stress and cellular damage from simultaneous exposure to cadmium and hydrogen peroxide. Overall, the results of this study suggest that cadmium and hydrogen peroxide, both individually and particularly in combination, have significant toxic effects on rats. These effects include bioaccumulation in various tissues and increased ROS production. These findings highlight the importance of studying the combined effects of environmental toxins and the need to consider their synergistic impacts.

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