[Estimation of copper in the urine of cigarette smokers].

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking is one of the most common habits of the modern world. According to a NATPOL PLU study, every third adult Pole is dependent on nicotine. Tobacco smoke contains about 5,000 components, of which over 1,000 are very toxic chemical substances (3,4-benzopyrene, heavy metals, free radicals, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and N-nitrosamines). Exposure to tobacco smoke is an example of a complex, with a significant number of interactions. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the concentration of copper in the urine of smokers. Based on the results, an attempt was made to determine whether smoking can affect the level of copper in the body. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 170 healthy volunteers, 99 smokers and 71 non-smokers (control group). The age of patients in both groups were in the range of 20-60 years. The mean age for men and women was 41 years. The average length of cigarette smoking was 18 years for women and 21 years for men, and the number of cigarettes smoked 1-40 / 24. The urine concentrations of Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and serum creatinine kinetic method using a set of BIOLAB. Cu concentration in urine was expressed in mg / g creatinine. RESULTS: Smokers were found to have reduced levels of copper in the urine, depending on sex, age and brand of cigarettes. In male smokers, copper concentration in the urine was dependent on age and time of smoking, whereas among women this relationship was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking significantly influences the level of copper in the urine. Both female and male smokers showed reduced levels of copper in the urine, which may indicate its increased accumulation in the body. Excessive accumulation of copper is very dangerous since it may exhibit toxic effects towards many organs and systems.

The Mechanism of the Osteoprotective Action of a Polyphenol-Rich Aronia melanocarpa Extract during Chronic Exposure to Cadmium is Mediated by the Oxidative Defense System.

Recently, we demonstrated in a rat model that consumption of a polyphenol-rich extract obtained from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa could protect from cadmium-induced disorders in bone turnover and changes in bone mineral status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the osteoprotective effect of this extract is mediated by the oxidative defense system. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, total antioxidative and oxidative status, hydrogen peroxide, and markers of oxidative protein, lipid, and DNA damage were determined in bone tissue at the distal femoral epiphysis of female Wistar rats receiving 0.1 % aqueous A. melanocarpa extract (prepared from the lyophilized commercial extract containing 65.74 % of polyphenols) as the only drinking fluid and/or cadmium in the diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for 3, 10, 17, and 24 months. The total oxidative and antioxidative status of the serum was also evaluated. The administration of A. melanocarpa extract provided significant protection from cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the bone and serum, and from lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to the protein and DNA in the bone tissue. Numerous correlations were noted between indices of the oxidative/antioxidative bone status and markers of bone metabolism previously assayed in the animals receiving A. melanocarpa extract. The results allow the conclusion that the ability of A. melanocarpa extract to mediate the oxidative defense system and prevent oxidative modifications of protein, lipid, and DNA in the bone tissue plays an important role in its osteoprotective action under exposure to cadmium. The findings provide further evidence supporting our suggestion that chokeberry may be a promising natural agent for protection against the toxic action of cadmium in women chronically exposed to this metal.

Ethanol consumption modifies the body turnover of cadmium: a study in a rat model of human exposure.

Ethanol (Et) abusers may also be exposed to excessive amounts of cadmium (Cd). Thus, the study was aimed at estimating the influence of Et on the body turnover of Cd in a rat model reflecting excessive alcohol consumption in humans chronically exposed to moderate and relatively high levels of this metal. For this purpose, Cd apparent absorption, retention in the body and concentration in the blood, stomach, duodenum, liver, kidney, spleen, brain, heart, testis and femur as well as its fecal and urinary excretion in the rats exposed to 5 and 50mg Cd l(-1) (in drinking water; for 16 weeks from the fifth week of the animal's life) and/or Et (5 g kg(-1) b.w. per 24 h, by oral gavage; for 12 weeks from the ninth week of life) were estimated. Moreover, the duodenal, liver and kidney pool of the nonmetallothionein (Mt)-bound Cd was evaluated. The administration of Et during the exposure to 5 or 50mg Cd l(-1) increased Cd accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and its urinary excretion, and decreased Cd concentration in the blood, femur and numerous soft tissues (including liver and kidney) as well as the total pool of this metal in internal organs. Et modified or not the pool of the non-Mt-bound Cd, depending on the level of treatment with this metal. The results show that excessive Et consumption during Cd exposure may decrease the body burden of this metal, at least partly, by its lower absorption and increased urinary excretion. Based on this study, it can be concluded that Cd concentration in the blood and tissues of alcohol abusers chronically exposed to moderate and relatively high levels of this metal may be lower, whereas its urinary excretion is higher than in their nondrinking counterparts. However, since Et is toxic itself, the decreased body burden of Cd owing to alcohol consumption does not allow for the conclusion that the risk of health damage may be lower at co-exposure to these xenobiotics. In a further study, it will be investigated how the Et-induced changes in the body status of Cd influence the effects of its toxic action.

The Body Status of Manganese and Activity of This Element-Dependent Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase in a Rat Model of Human Exposure to Cadmium and Co-Administration of Aronia melanocarpa L. Extract.

The impact of a polyphenol-rich 0.1% aqueous extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AE) on the body status of manganese (Mn) and the activity of this essential element-dependent mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) during treatment with cadmium (Cd) was investigated in a rat model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to this xenobiotic (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet, respectively, for 3-24 months). The exposure to Cd, dose- and duration-dependently, affected the body status of Mn (apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, content in some organs and total Mn body burden, and urinary and faecal excretion) and the activity of MnSOD in the mitochondria of the liver, kidney, and brain. The administration of AE during the exposure to Cd prevented or at least partially protected the animals from the perturbation of the metabolism of Mn, as well as ameliorated changes in the activity of MnSOD and the concentration of Mn and protected from Cd accumulation in the mitochondria. In conclusion, AE may protect from disorders in the body status of Mn and influence the antioxidative capacity of cells under chronic exposure to Cd. The findings confirm the protective impact of aronia berries products against Cd toxicity.

Enhanced Zinc Intake Protects against Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences in the Brain: A Study in an In Vivo Rat Model of Cadmium Exposure.

We examined, in a rat model of moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether the enhanced intake of zinc (Zn) may protect against Cd-caused destroying the oxidative/antioxidative balance and its consequences in the brain. The intoxication with Cd (5 mg/L, 6 months) weakened the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and non-enzymatic (total thiol groups, reduced glutathione) antioxidative barrier decreasing the total antioxidative status and increased the concentrations of pro-oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase) in this organ and its total oxidative status. These resulted in the development of oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of lipids and proteins. The co-administration of Zn (30 and 60 mg/L enhancing this element intake by 79% and 151%, respectively) importantly protected against Cd accumulation in the brain tissue and this xenobiotic-induced development of oxidative stress and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. Moreover, this bioelement also prevented Cd-mediated oxidative stress evaluated in the serum. The favorable effect of Zn was caused by its independent action and interaction with Cd. Concluding, the enhancement of Zn intake under oral exposure to Cd may prevent the oxidative/antioxidative imbalance and oxidative stress in the brain and thus protect against injury of cellular macromolecules in the nervous system.

Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences in the Blood of Rats Irradiated with UV: Protective Effect of Cannabidiol.

UVA/UVB radiation disturbs the redox balance of skin cells, and metabolic consequences can be transferred into the blood and internal tissues, especially after chronic skin exposure to UV radiation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytocannabinoid, on oxidative stress and its consequences in the blood of nude rats whose skin was exposed to UVA/UVB radiation for 4 weeks. It was shown that CBD penetrated the blood and in UVB-irradiated rats was preferentially located in the membranes of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which promoted reduction of ROS generation and up-regulation of antioxidant ability by increasing the activity of glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase, while the level of reduced glutathione decreased by UV radiation. Consequently, reduction in UV-induced lipid peroxidation, assessed as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 8-isoprostane (8-isoPGF2α) as well as protein modifications, estimated as 4-HNE-protein adducts and protein carbonyl groups, was observed. CBD, by countering the UV-induced down-regulation of 2-arachidonylglycerol, promoted its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects by reducing CB1 and increasing PPARγ receptor activation and consequently ROS and TNF-α down-regulation. The results suggest that CBD applied topically to the skin minimizes redox changes not only at the skin level, but also at the systemic level.

Beneficial effect of zinc supplementation on biomechanical properties of femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis of male rats chronically exposed to cadmium.

The present study was aimed at estimate, based on the rat model of human moderate and relatively high chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether zinc (Zn) supplementation may prevent Cd-induced weakening in the bone biomechanical properties. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were administered Cd (5 or 50 mg/l) or/and Zn (30 or 60 mg/l) in drinking water for 6 and 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties (yield load, ultimate load, post-yield load, displacement at yield and at ultimate, stiffness, work to fracture, yield stress, ultimate stress and Young modulus of elasticity) of the femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis were examined. Biomechanical properties of the distal femur were estimated in a compression test, whereas those of the femoral diaphysis -- in a three-point bending test. Exposure to Cd, in a dose and duration dependent manner, decreased the BMD and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femur at its distal end and diaphysis. Zn supplementation during Cd exposure partly, but importantly, prevented the weakening in the bone biomechanical properties. The favorable Zn influence seemed to result from an independent action of this bioelement and its interaction with Cd. However, Zn supply at the exposure to Cd had no statistically significant influence on the BMD at the distal end and diaphysis of the femur. The results of the present paper suggest that Zn supplementation during exposure to Cd may have a protective influence on the bone tissue biomechanical properties, and in this way it can, at least partly, decrease the risk of bone fractures. The findings seem to indicate that enhanced dietary Zn intake may be beneficial for the skeleton in subjects chronically exposed to Cd.

Effect of zinc supplementation on bone metabolism in male rats chronically exposed to cadmium.

The aim of the present study is to investigate, based on the rat model of moderate and relatively high human exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether zinc (Zn) supplementation may prevent Cd-induced disorders in bone metabolism. For this purpose, male Wistar rats received Cd (5 and 50mg/l) or/and Zn (30 and 60mg/l) in drinking water for 6 and 12 months. Bone densitometry and biochemical markers of bone turnover were used to assess the effects of Cd or/and Zn. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were measured in the femur. Serum osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase in trabecular (bT-ALP) and cortical (bC-ALP) bone were determined as bone formation markers, and carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) in serum were measured as bone resorption marker. Serum concentration of calcium (Ca) and its renal handling, as well as Zn and Cd concentrations in the serum/blood, urine and femur were evaluated as well. The exposure to 5 and 50mg Cd/l (0.340+/-0.026 and 2.498+/-0.093mg Cd/kg body wt/24h, respectively), in a dose and duration dependent manner, affected bone turnover (inhibited bone formation and stimulated its resorption) and disturbed bone mineralization (decreased BMC, BMD and Zn concentration). Zn supply at the concentration of 30 and 60mg/l (1.904+/-0.123 and 3.699+/-0.213mg/kg body wt/24h, respectively) during Cd exposure influenced the Cd-induced disorders in bone metabolism. Zn administration to the Cd-exposed rats enhanced the bone ALP activity and prevented Cd-induced bone resorption, but had no statistically significant effect on BMC and BMD; however, mean values of the densitometric parameters in the rats receiving both Cd and Zn were higher than in those treated with Cd alone. Moreover, Zn supplementation at both levels of Cd exposure was found to prevent Cd accumulation in the femur and the Cd-induced decrease in bone Zn concentration. The results of the present study allow the conclusion that Zn supplementation during Cd exposure may partly protect from disorders in bone metabolism. The influence of Zn may be accompanied by its ability to prevent Cd-induced Zn deficiency and to decrease Cd accumulation in bone tissue. The findings seem to indicate that enhanced dietary intake of Zn in subjects chronically exposed to moderate and relatively high Cd levels may have a protective influence on the skeleton.

Effect of an Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries on the Body Status of Zinc and Copper under Chronic Exposure to Cadmium: An In Vivo Experimental Study.

In an experimental model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), it was investigated whether the consumption of a polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) may influence the body status of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The bioelements' apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, total pool in internal organs, excretion, and the degree of binding to metallothionein were evaluated in female rats administered 0.1% aqueous AE or/and Cd in their diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for 3-24 months. The consumption of AE alone had no influence on the body status of Zn and Cu. The extract administration at both levels of Cd treatment significantly (completely or partially) protected against most of the changes in the metabolism of Zn and Cu caused by this xenobiotic; however, it increased or decreased some of the Cd-unchanged indices of their body status. Based on the findings, it seems that rational amounts of chokeberry products may be included in the daily diet without the risk of destroying Zn and Cu metabolisms; however, their potential prophylactic use under exposure to Cd needs further study to exclude any unfavourable impact of these essential elements on the metabolism.

Protective Effect of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Extract against Cadmium Impact on the Biomechanical Properties of the Femur: A Study in a Rat Model of Low and Moderate Lifetime Women Exposure to This Heavy Metal.

The hypothesis that the consumption of Aronia melanocarpa berries (chokeberries) extract, recently reported by us to improve bone metabolism in female rats at low-level and moderate chronic exposure to cadmium (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet for up to 24 months), may increase the bone resistance to fracture was investigated. Biomechanical properties of the neck (bending test with vertical head loading) and diaphysis (three-point bending test) of the femur of rats administered 0.1% aqueous chokeberry extract (65.74% of polyphenols) or/and Cd in the diet (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg) for 3, 10, 17, and 24 months were evaluated. Moreover, procollagen I was assayed in the bone tissue. The low-level and moderate exposure to Cd decreased the procollagen I concentration in the bone tissue and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck and diaphysis. Chokeberry extract administration under the exposure to Cd improved the bone collagen biosynthesis and femur biomechanical properties. The results allow for the conclusion that the consumption of chokeberry products under exposure to Cd may improve the bone biomechanical properties and protect from fracture. This study provides support for Aronia melanocarpa berries being a promising natural agent for skeletal protection under low-level and moderate chronic exposure to Cd.

Protective Effect of Aronia Melanocarpa Polyphenols on Cadmium Accumulation in the Body: A Study in a Rat Model of Human Exposure to this Metal.

Recently a growing attention has been paid to the possibility of using biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, for the prevention of unfavourable effects of exposure to xenobiotics. The study was aimed to investigate, in a female rat model, whether consumption of Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols (AMP) under chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd) decreases the gastrointestinal absorption and body burden of this heavy metal. For this purpose, Cd turnover (apparent absorption, retention in the body, concentration in the blood, soft tissues and bone tissue, total pool in internal organs, faecal and urinary excretion) was evaluated in the female Wistar rats who were administered only a 0.1% aqueous extract of AMP (prepared from the powdered extract containing 65.74% of polyphenols) as drinking fluid or/and Cd in diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for up to 24 months. AMP administration under the low Cd treatment (1 mg/kg diet) had only a very slight protective impact against this metal accumulation in the organism, whereas polyphenols application under moderate exposure (5 mg Cd/kg diet) significantly decreased apparent absorption and retention in the body, and increased urinary concentration of this xenobiotic, resulting in its lower concentration in the blood and lower accumulation in soft tissues (mainly in the liver and kidneys) and bone tissue. Based on the study, it can be concluded that consumption of polyphenol- rich products may prevent Cd absorption from the diet polluted by this metal and its accumulation in the females' body, and thus also prevent its toxic action.

Protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols against cadmium-induced disorders in bone metabolism: a study in a rat model of lifetime human exposure to this heavy metal.

It was investigated, in a female rat model of low and moderate lifetime human exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa berries (chokeberry; AMP) may offer protection from this heavy metal-induced disorders in bone metabolism. For this purpose, numerous indices of bone formation (osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin) and resorption (carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen, soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) in the serum and/or distal femur epiphysis (trabecular bone region), as well as bone mineral status (volumetric bone mineral density of the femur and content of mineral components, including calcium, in the bone tissue at the distal femur epiphysis) were evaluated in female Wistar rats that received a 0.1% aqueous extract of AMP, as the only drinking fluid (prepared from lyophilized extract by Adamed Consumer Healthcare), and/or Cd in diet (1 and 5mg/kg) for 3, 10, 17, and 24 months. Examination of the phytochemical profile of the aronia extract revealed high content of polyphenols (612.40 ± 3.33 mg/g), including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Among detected compounds anthocyanins were identified as dominating. The exposure to Cd, dose- and duration-dependently, enhanced resorption and inhibited formation of the bone tissue resulting in its decreased mineralization. The administration of AMP under the exposure to 1 and 5 mgCd/kg diet provided important protection from this heavy metal-induced disturbances in the bone turnover and changes in the bone mineral status, and the beneficial impact of polyphenols resulted from their independent action and interaction with Cd. These findings suggest that consumption of Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols may play a role in prevention against female skeleton damage due to chronic exposure to Cd and that chokeberry represents the good natural plant candidate for further investigations of its prophylactic use under environmental exposure to this heavy metal.

[Select parameters of renal function in smokers in correlation with the exposure to cadmium]. / Badania nad wplywem palenia na wybrane parametry biochemiczne funkcji nerek w powiazaniu z narazeniem na kadm.

Cigarette smoke contains about 4000 chemical substances, including toxic metals such as cadmium. Smoking of 20 cigarettes a day results in inhalation an average 3.6-6.0 microg of cadmium. Due to nephrotoxic action of some components of tobacco smoke, and especially cadmium, the present study was aimed to evaluate of chosen parameters of kidney status in cigarette smokers in connection with estimation of cadmium concentration. The study was conducted in eighty-nine health and unexposed occupationally to cadmium inhabitants of Bialystok, smoking and non-smoking men and women at age 35-50. The smokers consumed 20 and more cigarettes per day for longer period than 10 years. Blood and morning urine were collected for analysis. In the urine samples, cadmium concentration (by atomic absorption spectrometry) and cotinine concentration (by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry), as an indicator of exposure to cigarette smoke, were determined. The kidney status was evaluated based on the urinary activities of lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and its isoenzyme B (by colourimetrical method modified by Zwierz et al.) and concentrations of creatinine and urea in the serum (using diagnostic laboratory tests by POCh). The percentage reabsorption of phosphates was evaluated as well (TRP). Cadmium concentration in the urine of smoking women and men was higher compared to non-smokers, but there was no correlation between cadmium and cotinine concentrations in urine. In the smoking women, the urinary activity of NAG and TRP were higher than in non-smoking ones. In smokers, the activities of NAG and NAG-B in men and the activity of NAG-B in women were in the range of values noted in non-smokers, however the frequency of appearance of NAG and NAG-B activities above the limit of detection was higher compared to non-smokers. Cigarette smoking had no influence on the serum concentrations of creatinine and urea in both men and women and TRP in men. The results of the analysis of the urinary NAG and NAG-B activities in conjunction with the frequency of their appearance allow concluding that cigarette smoke might lead to an occurrence of early changes in proximal tubules of men and women.

Effect of zinc supplementation on glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium concentration in the serum, liver and kidney of rats chronically exposed to cadmium.

It was investigated whether the ability of zinc (Zn) to prevent cadmium (Cd)-induced lipid peroxidation may be connected with its impact on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and selenium (Se) concentration. GPx and Se were determined in the serum, liver and kidney of the rats that received Cd (5 or 50 mg/L) or/and Zn (30 mg/L) in drinking water for 6 months in whose the protective Zn impact was noted (Rogalska J, Brzóska MM, Roszczenko A, Moniuszko-Jakoniuk J. Enhanced zinc consumption prevents cadmium-induced alterations in lipid metabolism in male rats. Chem Biol Interact 2009;177:142-52). Moreover, dependences between these parameters, and indices of lipid peroxidation (F(2)-isoprostane, lipid peroxides, oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol) as well as concentrations of Cd and Zn were estimated. The supplementation with Zn during the exposure to 5 mg Cd/L entirely antagonized the Cd-induced increase in GPx activity and Se concentration in the liver and kidney, but not in the serum. Zn administration during the treatment with 50 mg Cd/L totally or partially prevented from the Cd-caused decrease in GPx activity and Se concentration in the serum, liver and kidney. At the higher level of Cd exposure, GPx activity in the serum and tissues positively correlated with Se concentration. Moreover, numerous correlations were noted between GPx and/or Se and the indices of lipid peroxidation. The results indicate that the protective impact of Zn against the Cd-induced lipid peroxidation during the relatively high exposure might be connected with its beneficial influence on Se concentration and GPx activity in the serum and tissues, whereas this bioelement influence at the moderate exposure seems to be independent of GPx and Se.

Zinc supplementation can protect from enhanced risk of femoral neck fracture in male rats chronically exposed to cadmium.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether zinc (Zn) supplementation can protect from an enhanced risk of femoral neck fracture due to chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd). For this purpose, biomechanical properties of the neck and bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur of rats receiving Cd (5 or 50mg/l) or/and Zn (30 or 60 mg/l) in drinking water for 6 and 12 months were evaluated. The exposure to 5 and 50mg Cd/l decreased the proximal femur BMD and affected biomechanical properties of the femoral neck. In the rats treated with 5mg Cd/l, weakening of the femoral neck strength was observed after 12 months, whereas at higher exposure--already after 6 months. The supplementation with 30 and 60 mg Zn/l, enhancing its daily intake by 68% and 138%, respectively, compared to the standard diet, had beneficial influence on the femoral neck biomechanical properties during the exposure to Cd, but it had no impact on the proximal femur BMD. Zn administration during the 12-month exposure to 5mg Cd/l totally prevented the weakening of the neck. Zn supplementation during the 6-month treatment with 50mg Cd/l entirely prevented the Cd-induced decrease in the neck fracture strength; however, at the longer exposure to Cd the protective effect of Zn was only partial. The beneficial Zn influence was independent on its dose. The results allow the conclusion that an increase in the daily intake of Zn during moderate and relatively high exposures to Cd can reduce femoral neck susceptibility to fracture. Based on the findings, it seems that enhanced Zn consumption in subjects chronically exposed to Cd may, at least partly, protect from the enhanced risk of femoral neck fracture.

Oxidative damage to proteins and DNA in rats exposed to cadmium and/or ethanol.

The study was aimed to estimate whether rat's exposure to cadmium (Cd; 50mg/l in drinking water for 12 weeks) and/or ethanol (EtOH; 5g/kg b.wt./24h p.o. for 12 weeks), noted by us to induce oxidative stress and stimulate lipid peroxidation, can cause oxidative damage to proteins and DNA, and whether and to what extent the effects of co-exposure differ from those observed under the treatment with each substance alone. Protein carbonyl groups (PC) and protein thiol groups (PSH) in the serum, liver and kidney, as markers of oxidative protein damage, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the serum, as a marker of DNA oxidation, were determined. The exposure to Cd or/and EtOH led to oxidative protein damage (increased PC and decreased PSH concentrations in the serum and/or liver), and to DNA oxidation (increased 8-OHdG concentration in the serum). The effects were more advanced at the co-exposure than at the treatment with each substance alone. The more serious damage to proteins and DNA at the co-exposure to Cd and EtOH seems to be the effect of independent action of both xenobiotics. The results of the present paper together with our recent findings in the same rats seem to indicate that at co-exposure to Cd and EtOH proteins and DNA may be more vulnerable to oxidation than lipids. The paper is the first report suggesting that excessive EtOH consumption during exposure to Cd may increase the risk of health damage via enhancing protein and DNA oxidation.

Estimation of Polish cigarettes contamination with cadmium and lead, and exposure to these metals via smoking.

To estimate exposure to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) through cigarette smoking, the concentrations of both metals in the blood or/and urine of smokers (20 cigarettes or more per day for 10 years or longer) and their non-smoking counterparts inhabiting an environmentally unpolluted area (Bialystok, Poland) were evaluated, as well as Cd and Pb contents in the cigarette brands (produced in Poland) smoked by the participants, including intact cigarettes, pre-smoking (tobacco, paper and filter) and post-smoking (butt, ash and smoke) cigarette components. Blood and urinary Cd concentrations in the smokers have been already reported by us to be 2-4 times higher than in the non-smokers (Galazyn-Sidorczuk et al. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 13 (Suppl.1):91-95, 2004). All the other measurements are the subject of the present paper. Pb concentration in the blood of the cigarette smokers (52.12 +/- 15.51 microg l(-1)) was higher by 29% than in the non-smokers (40.42 +/- 11.19 microg l(-1)). The mean Cd and Pb contents in the cigarettes were 0.6801 +/- 0.1765 and 0.6853 +/- 0.0746 microg per cigarette, respectively. Under cigarette burning, performed using a machine for self-acting burning, on average 33% of Cd and 11% of Pb present in the whole cigarette was released into the smoke. For Cd, unlike Pb, there was a high positive correlation between the metal content in cigarettes and tobacco and its release into the smoke. Moreover, the subjects smoking cigarettes containing the highest Cd amount had higher blood Cd concentration than smokers of other cigarette brands. The results give clear evidence that in the case of inhabitants of areas unpolluted with Cd and Pb habitual cigarette smoking, due to tobacco contamination, creates a serious source of chronic exposure to these metals, especially to Cd.