Exploring the Impact of Chronic Heavy Metal Accumulation in the Kidneys on Bone Microarchitecture: Mechanisms of Mineral Metabolism Disruption, Inflammation, and Direct Metal Deposition Leading to Trabecular Alterations

Abstract

Heavy metal exposure, including cadmium, lead, and mercury, poses significant health risks to humans. Chronic accumulation of these metals in the kidneys can disrupt renal function and potentially influence other organs and systems. This paper explores the relationship between heavy metal accumulation in the kidneys and alterations in bone microarchitecture, with a particular focus on changes in trabecular number, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, and overall bone density. This study hypothesizes that heavy metal-induced nephrotoxicity is a contributing factor to bone deterioration by interfering with calcium and phosphate metabolism, crucial elements in bone formation and maintenance. Various pathways by which heavy metal exposure may affect bone microarchitecture are discussed, including direct metal deposition in bone tissue, kidney-mediated disturbances in mineral homeostasis, and systemic inflammatory responses. The paper also considers individual heavy metals' specific mechanisms and their relative contributions to bone health. Understanding these correlations is essential for improving clinical strategies to address heavy metal toxicity's skeletal impact and may inform preventative and therapeutic approaches to minimize bone-related complications in individuals with heavy metal exposure.