[High density lipoprotein cholesterol level in rats poisoned with cadmium]

The effect of cadmium on lipid metabolism in persons occupationally and environmentally exposed to this metal may lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The disturbances of the reverse transport of cholesterol could be responsible for the vascular changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cadmium on the cholesterol level in the main fraction and subfractions of high density lipoprotein (HDL). The cholesterol level was measured in serum of rats treated with cadmium in a weekly dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for seven weeks and in controls. After a seven-week exposure, the decreased HDL2, and the increased HDL3 cholesterol levels were observed in cadmium-poisoned animals as compared to controls. The results of the study suggest that a cadmium-impaired mechanism of the cholesterol transport in blood may induce vascular changes.