RT Journal Article ID 14c675bf140c7013 A1 Pacini, Stefania A1 Punzi, Tiziana A1 Morucci, Gabriele A1 Gulisano, Massimo A1 Ruggiero, Marco T1 A Paradox of Cadmium: A Carcinogen That Impairs the Capability of Human Breast Cancer Cells To Induce Angiogenesis JF Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology JO JEP(T) YR 2009 FD 2009-04-16 VO 28 IS 1 SP 85 OP 88 K1 breast cancer K1 angiogenesis K1 cadmium AB Cadmium, a highly persistent heavy metal, has been categorized as a human carcinogen. Even though it is known that cadmium acts as estrogens in breast cancer cells, several studies failed to demonstrate whether cadmium is a causal factor for breast cancer. The lack of a strong association between cadmium and breast cancer could be found in the antiangiogenic properties of this heavy metal, which might counteract its carcinogenic properties in the progression of breast cancer. In this study, we exposed estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells to subtoxic levels of cadmium, and we evaluated their angiogenic potential using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. Exposure of breast cancer cells to subtoxic levels of cadmium significantly inhibited the angiogenic potential of the breast cancer cell line, suggesting the possibility that cadmium might negatively regulate the production of proangiogenic factors in breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that cadmium might exert a paradoxical effect in breast cancer: on the one hand, it could promote carcinogenesis, and, on the other hand, it could delay the onset of tumors by inhibiting breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/0ff459a57a4c08d0,7591d8c6758993c4,14c675bf140c7013.html