biostudies-literatureHoward JAHorizon 2020 Framework Programme2215https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9905611biostudies-literatureUnknown13(1)Heavy metals present a threat to human health, even at minimal concentrations within the body. One source of exposure is due to the consumption of low-level contaminated foodstuff and water. Lead and cadmium have been shown to be absorbed by and accumulate within organs like the kidneys and liver, and they have also been associated to many diseases including cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction as well as developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Since this contamination of lead and cadmium is found worldwide, limiting the exposure is complicated and novel strategies are required to prevent the absorption and accumulation of these metals by forcing their elimination. In this study, a DOTAGA-functionalized chitosan polymer is evaluated for this preventative strategy. Scientific reportsCombating lead and cadmium exposure with an orally administered chitosan-based chelating polymer.PMC9905611101008159Lux FKuznietsova HHoward JAAigle ANatuzzi MBrichart TThomas ELysenko VDziubenko NDavid LTillement OfalseCombating lead and cadmium exposure with an orally administered chitosan-based chelating polymer.Heavy metals present a threat to human health, even at minimal concentrations within the body. One source of exposure is due to the consumption of low-level contaminated foodstuff and water. Lead and cadmium have been shown to be absorbed by and accumulate within organs like the kidneys and liver, and they have also been associated to many diseases including cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction as well as developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Since this contamination of lead and cadmium is found worldwide, limiting the exposure is complicated and novel strategies are required to prevent the absorption and accumulation of these metals by forcing their elimination. In this study, a DOTAGA-functionalized chitosan polymer is evaluated for this preventative strategy. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Feb2025-04-04T23:52:52.773Z2025-04-04T23:52:52.773ZS-EPMC99056113675062310.1038/s41598-023-28968-4