fig1

Figure 1. Oral and inhalational routes of exposure to environmental cadmium. Cd from foods enters the portal blood system before reaching the liver, while inhaled metallic and oxide forms of Cd reach the lungs. Eventually, nearly all exogenous Cd accumulates within the proximal tubules. Due to a minuscule excretion rate, the accumulated Cd is released after tubular cells are injured or die. Cd-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis can lead to a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. Cd: Cadmium.