Maternal Cadmium Exposure Impairs Lactational Performance and Milk Quality in Mice

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Reproductive biology
• Maternal-fetal health

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) is a pervasive environmental toxicant with bioaccumulative properties.
• Maternal exposure to Cd poses health risks, but its specific effects on mammary gland function during lactation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maternal cadmium exposure during pregnancy and lactation on mammary gland development, hormonal balance, and lactational performance in mice.

Main Methods:

• Exposure model: Pregnant ICR mice received drinking water with or without cadmium (12 mg/L).
• Assessments included maternal and offspring weight, mammary gland histology, milk composition analysis, and integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses.

Main Results:

• Cadmium exposure significantly reduced maternal and offspring weight.
• Histological analysis showed impaired mammary gland development with fewer alveoli and wider interstitial spaces.
• Lactational performance was compromised, with reduced milk yield and lower levels of protein, fat, and lactose.
• Cadmium accumulated in mammary tissue and milk, altering gene expression related to milk synthesis and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Maternal cadmium exposure during pregnancy and lactation leads to structural and functional mammary gland alterations.
• These changes result in decreased lactational performance and impaired offspring growth.
• Findings underscore the risks of environmental cadmium exposure to maternal and infant health, necessitating public health interventions.