Effects of lead and cadmium combined heavy metals on liver function and lipid metabolism in mice

Although a large number of studies have been conducted on individual lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) exposures, the toxicity of combined Pb and Cd exposures is relatively limited. The present study aims to investigate toxicity of Pb-Cd combined heavy metals and its mechanism. A heavy metal exposure model was established by subcutaneous intragastric administration of Pb-Cd (50:1) for 35 days in mice. The body weight, diet, hair color, mental state, liver index, hematological index, biochemical indicators and pathological section were used to comprehensively evaluate the toxicity reaction. Then, classical oxidative stress indexes and lipidomics techniques had been used to explore the potential mechanism. The results showed that Pb-Cd could cause inappetite, poor spirit, significantly reduced activity, slow weight gain and dark hair color in mice. Pb-Cd could also cause liver enlargement, AST and ALT enzyme activities significantly increased, and pathological changes of liver. Prolonged exposure to c could also cause PCT, WBC, PLT and MON significantly increased, and RBC, HGB, HCT and LYM decreased. Pb-Cd can increase the oxidative stress by increasing the activity of SOD and LDH and the content of MDA. Pb-Cd also could cause lipid metabolism disorders by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism.