Cadmium exposure alters steroid receptors and proinflammatory cytokine levels in endothelial cells in vitro: a potential mechanism of endocrine disruptor atherogenic effect

Background Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant that causes alterations in human health acting as endocrine disruptor. Recent data suggest that cardiovascular system might be a contamination target tissue, since Cd is found in atheromatic plaques. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the consequence of Cd exposure of endothelial cells in vitro to evaluate detrimental effect in vascular system by a potential sex-steroid hormone receptor-dependent mechanism(s).