Cadmium-Induced Cytotoxicity: Effects on Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca; Alessandra Pacini; Massimo Gulisano; Niccolò Taddei; Claudia Fiorillo; Matteo Becatti

doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.604377

Cadmium-Induced Cytotoxicity: Effects on Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020 Nov 30:8:604377. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.604377. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca¹, Alessandra Pacini¹, Massimo Gulisano¹, Niccolò Taddei², Claudia Fiorillo², Matteo Becatti²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
² Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy.

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known heavy metal and environmental toxicant and pollutant worldwide, being largely present in every kind of item such as plastic (toys), battery, paints, ceramics, contaminated water, air, soil, food, fertilizers, and cigarette smoke. Nowadays, it represents an important research area for the scientific community mainly for its effects on public health. Due to a half-life ranging between 15 and 30 years, Cd owns the ability to accumulate in organs and tissues, exerting deleterious effects. Thus, even at low doses, a Cd prolonged exposure may cause a multiorgan toxicity. Mitochondria are key intracellular targets for Cd-induced cytotoxicity, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The present review is aimed to clarify the effects of Cd on mitochondria and, particularly, on the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Keywords: cadmium; cytotoxicity; mitochondria; mitochondrial complexes; mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Publication types

Review