Effects of Cadmium on Bone Mineral Density in the Distal and Proximal Forearm: Two Female Population Studies in China

Long-term cadmium exposure may cause bone loss in distal or proximal sites in the forearm. In this study, we observed the effects of cadmium on bone mineral density in both distal and proximal sites in the forearm in two female populations. A total of 456 women living in two different areas participated. All of the participants completed a questionnaire, and the bone mineral density was measured in both the distal and proximal forearm by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Urine samples were collected for the determination of urinary cadmium (UCd). UCd levels were significantly higher in the polluted group than the control group. The bone mineral density of the proximal forearm of subjects in polluted group or with high UCd levels was significantly lower than that of subjects in the control group or with low UCd levels. However, regarding bone mineral density of the distal forearm, this trend was only found in subjects living in area A. Our data showed that cortical bone mineral density in the forearm may be more strongly affected by cadmium exposure than trabecular bone mineral density.