Combating lead and cadmium exposure with an orally administered chitosan-based chelating polymer

Heavy metals present a threat to human health, even at minimal concentrations within the body. One source of exposure is due to the consumption of low-level contaminated foodstuff and water. Lead and cadmium have been shown to be absorbed by and accumulate within organs like the kidneys and liver, and they have also been associated to many diseases including cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction as well as developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Since this contamination of lead and cadmium is found worldwide, limiting the exposure is complicated and novel strategies are required to prevent the absorption and accumulation of these metals by forcing their elimination. In this study, a DOTAGA-functionalized chitosan polymer is evaluated for this preventative strategy. It shows promising results when orally administered in mice to force the elimination and negate the toxic effects of lead and cadmium found within foodstuff.

Automated summary

Heavy metals pose a threat to human health even at low concentrations within the body. The consumption of contaminated food and water is one source of exposure. Lead and cadmium can accumulate in organs like the kidneys and liver, causing various diseases. Since lead and cadmium contamination is widespread, novel strategies are needed to prevent their absorption and accumulation. In this study, a DOTAGA-functionalized chitosan polymer is evaluated as a promising method to force the elimination of lead and cadmium when orally administered in mice.