Multi-omics approach to investigate the alleviation effects of laver chlorophylls on cadmium-induced liver and kidney Injury in mice
Phytochemicals endowed with antioxidant properties, such as quercetin and curcumin, have demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd). However, relevant research is lacking on chlorophylls, one of the most prevalent phytochemical in nature, particularly the antioxidant-rich pheophytin a and pheophorbide a. This study investigates the mitigating effects and mechanisms of chlorophylls on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and ne-phrotoxicity in mice. Non-omic results indicate that the chlorophylls significantly ameliorate the oxidative stress, functional impairment, and cellular damage in the liver and kidney caused by Cd. Omic results elucidate the following mechanisms: chlorophylls alleviate the mitochondrial DNA damage induced by Cd exposure, modulate the consequent alterations in energy metabolism, and rectify the dysregulation of lipid and amino acid metabolism during the abnormal energy me-tabolism, thereby inhibiting the oxidative stress and hepatic and renal functional and cellular damage in mice exposed to Cd. These findings provide novel dietary recommendations for populations at high Cd exposure risk.