Urinary cadmium exposure and biomarkers of inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and kidney injury in apparently healthy adults from the Central Region of Mexico

Human exposure to cadmium remains a major global public health concern because of its potential to induce multiple adverse health effects. This study investigated the associations between cadmium exposure and effect biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal injury in a population from the Central Region of Mexico. The mean urinary cadmium concentration was 0.55 ± 1.15 µg/g creatinine. Higher urinary cadmium concentrations were significantly associated with increased levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney injury. These findings indicate that cadmium exposure is associated with biological alterations linked to an elevated risk of renal impairment, cardiovascular events, and metabolic syndrome, potentially mediated by oxidative stress and a sustained pro-inflammatory state. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of implementing public health strategies to reduce cadmium exposure and mitigate its potential contribution to the development of non-communicable diseases.