A study conducted by researchers from Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine and Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine explored cannabidiol (CBD) as a possible treatment for cadmium-induced toxicity.
Current chelation therapies for cadmium poisoning are associated with severe side effects, prompting interest in safer alternatives. The research involved four groups of mice, with groups II and IV receiving 50 mg/L of cadmium in their drinking water. Groups III and IV were administered daily doses of cannabidiol (25 mg/kg) through intragastric gavage.
After 30 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, including glutathione, catalase, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Histological evaluations of the liver, kidney, and testis were also performed.
The findings, published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, revealed that cadmium exposure significantly reduced antioxidant markers like glutathione and catalase, while increasing levels of myeloperoxidase and proinflammatory cytokines. CBD treatment mitigated these adverse effects, improving oxidative stress and reducing inflammation in most tissues. Histopathological analysis indicated that CBD protected against liver and kidney damage but showed no protective effect on testicular tissue.
The study concludes that cannabidiol demonstrates protective properties against cadmium toxicity in certain tissues, suggesting its potential as a novel treatment. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and explore clinical applications.
