The impact of cadmium on the development of morphological and functional cardiac disruption in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal with widespread distribution. Due to increasing exposure and intake, its effects are being investigated in relation to various pathological conditions, including liver, kidney, and heart diseases. A correlation has been observed between maternal Cd levels and certain congenital abnormalities, raising questions about its impact on organ development. Zebrafish serve as a valuable model for studying development and, due to genomic homology with humans, for investigating cardiovascular pathology.