Effect of dietary cadmium on serum and liver lipids in mice in relation to interaction of essential metals, zinc, copper and iron.

Male ICR mice were given dietary Cd at three different levels (50, 100 and 200 ppm) for 85 days. At the end of this period, they showed a marked accumulation of Cd in the liver and kidney. In addition, there was also an increase in Zn and a decrease in Fe in these organs. The concentration of Cu in these organs, however remained unchanged. Serum cholesterol decreased in the Cd-100 and Cd-200 groups, but hepatic cholesterol did not. There was a positive correlation between serum cholesterol and serum Cu or Zn but not between serum cholesterol and serum Zn/Cu. Serum triglyceride was increased slightly but not significantly by the Cd exposure. A significant negative correlation between serum and hepatic triglyceride was found. These alterations of serum and hepatic lipids were discussed in relation to the essential metals (Cu, Zn and Fe).