Cadmium is reported to accumulate in human eye tissues suggesting its implication in diverse ocular
pathology. Using an in vitro cell culture model we investigated the effects of cadmium on human
lens epithelial cells (HLECs) (HLE-B3). We observed cadmium-induced dose- as well as time-dependent
decline in HLECs viability which was exacerbated significantly upon reduction of intracellular glutathione
levels by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). There was a dose-dependent significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) release from HLECs suggesting cadmium-induced alteration of membrane integrity as
well as necrotic cell death. The decline in cell viability was also due to apoptosis of the HLECs as determined
by quantifying % apoptotic cells as well as PARP cleavage. Moreover, release of apoptosis inducing
factor (AIF) into the cytosol was also detected. Cadmium was also observed to increase oxidative stress,
lipid peroxidation and activation of MAPK pathway in HLECs. Antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
and -Tocopherol significantly prevented cadmium-induced toxicity in HLECs. Our findings suggest that
cadmium-induced elevated oxidative stress as well as activation of MAPK signaling cascade eventually
led to cell death of HLECs through apoptosis as well as necrosis. The loss of HLECs by cadmium could
possibly explain its implication in cataract development particularly associated with smoking.