Levels and chemical species of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) determine oxidative eustress and distress. Abundance of uptake pathways and high oxygen consumption for ATP-dependent transport makes the renal proximal tubule particularly susceptible to cadmium (Cd 2+ )-induced oxidative stress by targeting ROS/RNS generation or antioxidant defence mechanisms, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) or H 2 O 2 -metabolizing...

The liver hormone hepcidin regulates systemic iron homeostasis. Hepcidin is also expressed by the kidney, but exclusively in distal nephron segments. Several studies suggest hepcidin protects against kidney damage involving Fe 2+ overload. The nephrotoxic non-essential metal ion Cd 2+ can displace Fe 2+ from cellular biomolecules, causing oxidative stress and cell death. The role of hepcidin in Fe 2+ and Cd 2+ toxicity was ass...