Saturated fatty acids synergizes cadmium to induce macrophages M1 polarization and hepatic inflammation.

Abstract

Exposure to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd) is a well-established risk factor for hepatic inflammation, but it remains unclear how metabolic components, such as different fatty acids (FAs), interact with Cd to influence this process. Understanding these interactions is essential for identifying potential preventative and therapeutic targets for this disorder. To address this question, we conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate the combinatorial effect of Cd and saturated FAs on hepatic inflammation. Specifically, we assessed the cytotoxicity of Cd on macrophages and their polarization and inflammatory activation upon co-exposure to Cd and saturated FAs. Our results showed that while saturated FAs had minimal impact on the cytotoxicity of Cd on macrophages, they significantly collaborated with Cd in predisposing macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 polarization, thereby promoting inflammatory activation. This joint effect of Cd and saturated FAs resulted in persistent inflammation and hepatic steatohepatitis in vivo. In summary, our study identified macrophage polarization as a novel mechanism by which co-exposure to Cd and saturated lipids induces hepatic inflammation. Our findings suggest that intervening in macrophage polarization may be a potential approach for mitigating the adverse hepatic effects of Cd.

• Authors: Yi Zhu, Xin-Xin Chai, Yuanyuan Zhao, Qiao Feng, Rong Dong, Meng-Jie Shi, Jiang Zhou, Yurong Zhao, Junxuan Peng, Youjia Tian, Guangdi Chen, Chi Luo, Jinghao Sheng
• Journal: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety (Ecotoxicol Environ Saf) Vol. 259 Pg. 115040 (Jul 01 2023) ISSN: 1090-2414 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 37235898 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Fatty Acids
• Cadmium

Topics

• Humans
• Fatty Acids (metabolism)
• Cadmium (toxicity, metabolism)
• Macrophages (metabolism)
• Liver (metabolism)
• Inflammation (chemically induced, metabolism)