Impact of Cadmium Mediated by Tobacco Use in Musculoskeletal Diseases

Tobacco use has a negative impact on health due to its relationship with the development of high-mortality diseases, such as pulmonary cancer. However, the effect of cadmium (Cd), present in tobacco smoke, on the development of joint diseases has been scarcely studied. The objective of this review is to discuss the evidence regarding the mechanisms by which Cd exposure, through tobacco smoke, may lead to the development of osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There's evidence suggesting a string association between moderate to severe OA development and tobacco use, and that a higher blood concentration of Cd can trigger oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, favoring cartilage loss. At the bone level, the Cd that is inhaled through tobacco smoke affects bone mineral density, resulting in OP mediated by a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, which favors the bone resorption process. In RA, tobacco use promotes the citrullination process through Cd exposure, as well as an increase in OS and inflammation. Understanding how tobacco use can increase the damage at the articular level mediated by a toxic metal, i.e., Cd, is important. Finally, proposing prevention, control, and treatment strategies for frequently disabling diseases, such as OA, OP, and RA to reduce its prevalence in the population.

Automated summary

Evidence suggests a strong association between moderate to severe OA development and tobacco use, with higher blood Cd concentration triggering oxidative stress and inflammation, favoring cartilage loss. Inhaling Cd through tobacco smoke affects bone mineral density, resulting in OP through a decrease in antioxidant enzymes and promoting bone resorption. Smoking promotes the citrullination process in RA through Cd exposure, as well as increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding how tobacco use can increase joint damage at the articular level mediated by the toxic metal Cd is crucial for proposing prevention, control, and treatment strategies for diseases like OA, OP, and RA.