Name: RAKEL PASSOS SIMOES
Publication date: 29/08/2025
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal widely present in the environment, and its
chronic exposure is associated with several deleterious effects on the
cardiovascular system, including arterial hypertension and endothelial
dysfunction. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenol with antioxidant, anti
inflammatory, and chelating properties, has been proposed as a potential
vascular protective agent. This study investigated the effects of EA on
cardiovascular alterations induced by subchronic exposure to CdCl (100 ppm for
30 days) in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four experimental groups:
Control (Ct), Cd, EA, and Cd+EA. Cd was administered via drinking water, and
EA was given by gavage (30 mg/kg/day). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was
monitored weekly using tail-cuff plethysmography. At the end of the protocol,
blood Cd concentration was consistent with levels observed in human
occupational exposure (31.15 ± 2.8 µg/L). To assess vascular function, thoracic
aortic rings were mounted in organ baths and subjected to protocols with
phenylephrine, acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), with or
without endothelium, and in the presence of inhibitors (L-NAME, apocynin,
catalase, allopurinol, and SOD). Cd exposure reduced body weight, increased
SBP, enhanced vascular reactivity to phenylephrine, and impaired endothelium
dependent relaxation, effects associated with reduced nitric oxide (NO)
bioavailability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
Increased collagen deposition and endothelial cell damage were also observed.
EA treatment prevented these changes, restoring endothelial function,
normalizing vascular tone, and preserving collagen content and endothelial cell
integrity. These findings indicate that EA exerts a significant protective effect
against Cd-induced vascular toxicity and appears promising as a functional agent
for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
