Mechanisms and Ecological Implications of Heavy Metal-Induced Disruption of Vitamin D3 Metabolism and Bone Health in Small Mammals: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding Environmental Toxicity

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination is a pressing environmental issue with significant implications for wildlife, including small mammals, which often serve as bioindicators of ecological health. This paper explores the intricate relationship between heavy metal exposure and vitamin D3 metabolism in small mammals, emphasizing the implications for bone health. Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, essential for bone mineralization and structural integrity. Disruption of vitamin D3 metabolism by heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury can impair the enzymatic processes involved in its synthesis and activation. The liver and kidneys, key organs in vitamin D3 metabolism, are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity, leading to alterations in calcium regulation. Additionally, heavy metals may interfere with endocrine pathways involving parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), both of which are crucial for maintaining calcium and phosphate equilibrium. This paper synthesizes current research findings to elucidate how heavy metal toxicity affects vitamin D3 metabolism, the associated mechanisms, and the resulting impact on bone health in small mammals. By understanding these interactions, the study aims to provide insights into the broader ecological consequences of heavy metal exposure, which is critical for developing conservation strategies and mitigating environmental risks.