ABSTRACT
Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, is found in soil, environment and contaminated water and food. Moreover, Cd is used in various industrial activities, such as electroplating, batteries production, fertilizers, while an important non-occupational source is represented by cigarette smoking, as Cd deposits in tobacco leaves. Since many years it is clear a strong correlation between Cd body accumulation and incidence of many diseases. Indeed, acute exposure to Cd can cause inflammation and affect many organs such as kidneys and liver. Furthermore, the attention has focused on its activity as environmental pollutant and endocrine disruptor able to interfere with metabolic and energy balance of living beings. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the Cd-exposure is related to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis even if human studies are still controversial. Recent data show that Cd-exposure is associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension and endothelial damage that are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Due to the large environmental diffusion of Cd, in this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the role of Cd in the incidence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Subject(s)
Cadmium/adverse effects , Endocrine Disruptors/adverse effects , Metabolic Diseases/physiopathology , Humans , Metabolic Diseases/etiologyABSTRACT
A traumatic coxofemoral luxation was diagnosed in a 15-month-old European neutered male cat, and on the basis of the radiographic evaluation a closed reduction was performed. Consequently, the cat was presented at the University of Bologna because of the failure of the treatment. A supplementary radiographic exam revealed the concomitant avulsion of the greater trochanter, consequently surgical management of the coxofemoral luxation was attempted successfully. Therefore, correct planning of the radiographic examination should be considered to prevent possible mistakes.