Background: There is solid evidence linking cadmium to several
types of cancer. Ascorbic acid and omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids have been studied to modify oxidative stress
processes. The aim of this study is to declare histopathological &
ultrastructural effects of cadmium on the suprarenal gland of
male albino rats and to declare the possible modulation by
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ascorbic acid.
Materials and methods: 60 Male Albino rats were equally
assigned into: control group, cadmium group (cadmium chloride
1 mg/kg/day SC), omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exposed
group, ascorbic acid exposed group, omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids and ascorbic acid exposed group, withdrawal group.
Four weeks after the experiment started, euthanasia was carried
out, and the adrenal glands were evaluated biochemically,
histologically, ultra-structurally, and immunohistochemically.
Results: The outcomes of the control, omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acid, and ascorbic acid exposure groups were essentially the
same. Adrenal cortical and medullary apoptosis, as well as
ultrastructural disruption of cell organelles, were caused by
cadmium. Swollen, degenerated mitochondria with broken
cristae, a few lipid droplets, an expanded lysosome, and a
considerable modulation of the adrenal gland hormones
glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were all
indicators of cadmium-induced damage. Cadmium plus omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids and ascorbic acid significantly
reduced caspase-3 immunoexpression in comparison to the
cadmium group. Conclusions: Cadmium is highly toxic to
adrenal tissue, while Omega-3 and ascorbic acid, especially in
combination, can significantly ameliorate its damaging effects.