Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Cadmium and Mercury and its Relationship to Hypertension
This review article explores the mechanistic links between cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) exposure, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension. Both metals are shown to induce oxidative stress and reduce nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, impairing endothelial-dependent vasodilation and promoting vascular stiffness. Cd and Hg disrupt calcium signaling, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS),