Cd and Pb toxicity have been comprehensively explored in many
in vitro and in vivo studies and various molecular, cellular and intracellular
mechanisms were proposed to explain toxicological
profiles of these two toxic metals. Although the pathogenesis of deleterious
health effects from Pb and Cd exposure is multifactorial,
the mechanisms underlying their toxicity are not completely understood.
Among the confirmed mechanisms for both Pb and Cd
toxicity is their binding to sulfhydryl (—SH) groups thus affecting
many enzymes and other —SH containing molecules. The other is
their interaction with bioelements in the organism thus affecting
directly and indirectly many physiological and biochemical processes.
Recent investigations indicate their influence on necrosis and
apoptosis, on gene expression, damaged DNA repair, etc. Complete
understanding of these mechanisms is still far from being
achieved and this topic remains controversial and incomplete, but
up to date investigations indicate oxidative stress as an important
molecular mechanism for Pb and Cd toxicity.