Title:Endothelial dysfunction induced by cadmium and mercury and its relationship to hypertension
VOLUME: 17
Author(s):Airton Cunha Martins, Alessanda Antunes Dos Santos, Ana Carolina B. Almeida Lopes, Anatoly V. Skalny, Michael Aschner, Alexey A. Tinkov and Monica M. B. Paoliello*
Affiliation:Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
Keywords:Cadmium, mercury, heavy metals, nitric oxide, hypertension
Abstract:Hypertension is an important public health concern that affects millions globally, leading to a large number of
morbidities and fatalities. The etiology of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, and it involves environmental
factors including heavy metals. Indeed, cadmium and mercury are toxic elements commonly distributed in the
environment which contribute to hypertension. We aimed to assess the role of cadmium and mercury-induced endothelial
dysfunction in the development of hypertension. A narrative review was carried out through database searches. In this
review, we discussed the critical roles of cadmium and mercury in the etiology of hypertension and provide new insights
into potential mechanisms of their effect, focusing primarily on endothelial dysfunction. Although, the mechanisms by
which cadmium and mercury induce hypertension have yet to be completely elucidated, evidence for both implicates
impaired nitric oxide signaling in their hypertensive etiology.
