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ToxSci Advance Access originally published online on September 16, 2004
Toxicological Sciences 2004 82(2):468-477; doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfh275
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Toxicological Sciences vol. 82 no. 2 © Society of Toxicology 2004; all rights reserved.

Low-Level Exposure to Cadmium during the Lifetime Increases the Risk of Osteoporosis and Fractures of the Lumbar Spine in the Elderly: Studies on a Rat Model of Human Environmental Exposure

Malgorzata M. Brzóska1 and Janina Moniuszko-Jakoniuk

Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland

Received March 22, 2004; accepted May 26, 2004

In this study, based on a rat model of human environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd), it has been examined whether low-level lifetime Cd exposure increases the risk of vertebral osteoporosis and vertebrae fractures in the elderly. For this purpose, the lumbar vertebral bodies (L4 or L3) of control and Cd-exposed (1 mg Cd/l in drinking water for 24 months) female Wistar rats were assigned to densitometric, radiographic, biomechanical (compression test), and biochemical studies, as well as to assess their dimensions and chemical composition. The exposure to Cd affected the mineral status of the L4. The decreased mineral content, density (BMD) and bone mineral area of the vertebral body together with the unchanged ratio of non-organic and organic components indicate osteoporotic nature of the Cd-induced changes. The activity of alkaline phosphatase in the L3 decreased. Cd also influenced the mechanical properties of the L4. The yield load and ultimate load decreased indicating a weakness in the vertebral body compression strength. Stiffness of the L4 decreased and the displacement at ultimate increased suggesting its enhanced susceptibility to deformities. Indeed, in the Cd group vertebral deformities (in 30% of females) or even fractures (in 40% of females), including those with disruption of bone continuity were evident. Z-score values for the L4 BMD revealed vertebral osteopenia in 30% and osteoporosis in 70% of the Cd-exposed females. The results allow for the conclusion that low lifetime exposure to Cd may become an important factor increasing the risk of lumbar spine osteoporosis with vertebral deformities and fractures in the elderly.

Key Words: cadmium; vertebral body; bone mineral status; mechanical testing; vertebral fracture; rat.


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