Impact of Environmental Cadmium Exposure on Efferocytosis in Alveolar Macrophages

Overview

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal found in cigarette smoke, fossil fuel emissions, and industrial coal -powered smoke. Exposure to cadmium poses severe health risks, including emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. While industrialized cities like Birmingham, Alabama, face significant exposure, the impact is global, affecting highly polluted areas such as New Delhi, India, and Lahore, Pakistan. This study examines the effects of environmental cadmium exposure on efferocytosis in alveolar macrophag es—phagocytic cells responsible for clearing apoptotic cells in the lungs. Efferocytosis is mediated by the scavenger receptor MerTK, which binds to phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells. Objective: This study aims to determine whether cadmium exposure disrupts MerTK function and impairs the efferocytic ability of alveolar macrophages. Methods: Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were used. In vitro, mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-Scell line) were cultured and treated with cadmium, followed by efferocytos is assays and flow cytometry to assess efferocytic function. Immunostaining and Western blotting were performed to detect MerTK cleavage. In vivo, histological analysis of cadmium -induced peribronchial fibrosis in mouse lung tissue and immunohistochemistry (IHC) imaging were conducted to evaluate cell death. Results: Cadmium exposure significantly impairs efferocytosis in alveolar macrophages by increasing MerTK cleavage. Higher cadmium concentrations correlate with reduced efferocytic activity, increased l ung inflammation, fibrosis, and acute lung injury. Conclusion: Cadmium exposure decreases efferocytosis efficiency by promoting MerTK cleavage. Future research will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cadmium - induced MerTK cleavage, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cadmium’s broader impact on efferocytosis-related receptors and signaling pathways worldwide. Alaska

Competition history

• JSHS 2025 Category not listed

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• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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