Cadmium Associated Preeclampsia: A Systematic Literature Review of Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

• Published in: Biological Trace Element Research
• Main Author: Sardar F.; Kamsani Y.S.; Ramly F.; Mohamed Noor Khan N.A.; Sardar R.; Aminuddin A.A.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85203441125&doi=10.1007%2fs12011-024-04364-5&partnerID=40&md5=7f67602318bfbbd0b24ea2faf4cf0405

Preeclampsia (PE), caused by multiple factors, is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal environmental pollutant, reproductive toxicant, and endocrine disruptor, which can increase the risk of PE. Cd toxicity due to occupational, diet, and environmental factors has worsened the risk. Studies showed elevated Cd concentration in maternal blood and placenta of PE women. However, the implicit association between Cd associated PE is still not highlighted. We systematically reviewed Cd-associated PE and its effect on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Based on “Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA)” guidelines, eighty-six studies were identified by PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. Publications were included until October 2023 and articles screened based on our inclusion criteria. Our study identified that the exposure of controlled and uncontrolled Cd induces PE, which negatively affects pregnancy and birth outcomes. Given the serious nature of this finding, Cd is a potential adverse agent that impacts pregnancy and future neonatal health. Further comprehensive studies covering the whole trimesters of pregnancy and neonatal developments are warranted. Data on the molecular mechanisms behind Cd-induced PE is also essential for potential preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic targets. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.