Iron body status of rats chronically exposed to cadmium and ethanol

Aims: The present study was performed to assess the effect of simultaneous long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) and ethanol on iron (Fe) status of male Wistar rats. Methods: The animals received drinking water containing 50 mg of Cd/l and/or 10% (w/v) ethanol for 12 weeks. Fe and Cd concentrations in serum (blood), certain tissues, urine and feces were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The total pool of Fe was calculated as a sum of its content in liver, spleen, kidneys, heart and brain. Fe bioavailability was evaluated based on its apparent absorption. Results: The daily Cd intake ranged from 3.17 to 4.28 mg/kg (Cd group) and from 2.41 to 3.17 mg/kg (Cd + ethanol group); ethanol consumption ranged from 47.5 to 86.9 g/kg/24 h (ethanol group) and from 47.3 to 63.4 g/kg/24 h (Cd + ethanol group). Exposure to Cd or/and ethanol caused serious disturbances in Fe metabolism, as indicated by Fe body depletion. Both substances, applied alone and in combination, reduced the apparent Fe absorption and decreased its total pool in certain organs, and urinary excretion. However, the Cd- and ethanol-induced changes in the tissue Fe concentrations were different. Cd exposure decreased the concentration of Fe in serum, liver, spleen and femur, whereas ethanol decreased it in the spleen. In rats co-exposed to Cd and ethanol, decreased serum, spleen and brain Fe concentrations were all observed. Conclusions: The changes in Fe status in rats co-exposed to Cd and ethanol can be explained by the independent action of the two substances, leading to a decrease in Fe bioavailability, or by their interactions, which involves a modifying effect of ethanol on Cd turnover. The results allow the conclusion that ethanol may increase Cd accumulation, making the organism more susceptible to Fe depletion. Alcoholics thus may be at increased risk of disorders in Fe body status.