Cadmium and nickel co-exposure exacerbates genotoxicity and not oxido-inflammatory stress in liver and kidney of rats: Protective role of omega-3 fatty acid

The present study examined the influence of co-exposure to cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) on hepatorenal function as well as the protective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3FA) in rats. The animals were exposed to Cd (5 mg/kg) and Ni (150 mu g/L in drinking water) singly or co-exposed to both metals and omega-3FA at 20 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Results showed that hepatorenal injury resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was not aggravated in the co-exposure group. Moreover, omega-3FA markedly abrogated the reduction in the antioxidant enzyme activities, the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and lipid peroxidation induced by Cd and Ni co-exposure. Additionally, omega-3FA administration markedly suppressed the increase in hepatic and renal myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1 beta levels in the co-exposure group. Genotoxicity resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was intensified in the co-exposure group. However, omega-3FA administration markedly ameliorated the genotoxicity and histological lesions in the co-exposure group. Taken together, co-exposure to Cd and Ni aggravated genotoxicity and not oxido-inflammatory stress in the liver and kidney of rats. omega-3FA abated hepatorenal injury and genotoxicity induced by Cd and Ni co-exposure in rats.