Age-related changes in cadmium content and oxidative modification of proteins in different regions of human spinal cord

A direct correlation was found between the content of oxidative protein modification products in the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord and age in humans. We revealed a considerable increase in Cd(2+) concentrations in elderly and old people and an increase in Fe(2+) concentration in old people. In the lumbosacral enlargement Cd(2+) concentration was maximum and did not vary with age. The content of oxidative protein modification products significantly increased in the lumbosacral enlargement in older adults and old people. Moreover, old people had high content of Cu(2+) in the lumbosacral enlargement. Our findings suggest that accumulation of Cd(2+) play a role in the metabolism of Cu(2+) and Fe(2+), which contributes to age-related intensification of oxidative protein modification in the spinal cord.