Environmental exposure to lead (Pb) and variations in its susceptibility.

Based on exposure frequency and intrinsic toxicity, lead (Pb) ranks one of the highest priority toxic materials. Continuous regulation of environmental Pb exposure has contributed to dramatically diminished exposure levels of Pb, for example, blood level of Pb. However, the safety level of Pb is not established, as low-level exposure to Pb still shows severe toxicity in high susceptible population and late onset of some diseases from early exposure. In the present study, we focused on food-borne Pb exposure and found broad variations in Pb exposure levels via food among countries. In addition, there are genetic or ethnical variations in Pb-targeted and protective genes. Moreover, various epigenetic alterations were induced by Pb poisoning. Therefore, we suggest a systemic approach including governmental (public) and individual prevention from Pb exposure with continuous biological monitoring and genetic or epigenetic consideration.

Low-level, chronic ingestion of lead and cadmium: The unspoken danger for at-risk populations.

The long-term effects of low-level, chronic exposure to lead and cadmium through ingestion are often overlooked, despite the urgency surrounding the clinical onset and worsening of certain pathologies caused by these metals. This work reviews current legislation, global ingestion levels, and blood levels in the general population to emphasize the need for reactivity towards this exposure, especially in at-risk populations, including patients with early-stage renal and chronic kidney disease. Global data indicates persistent chronic ingestion of lead and cadmium, with no decreasing trend in recent years, and a daily consumption of tens of micrograms worldwide. Moreover, the average blood lead and cadmium levels in the general population are concerning in many countries with some significantly exceeding healthy limits, particularly for children. Technologies developed to cleanse soil and prevent heavy metal contamination in food are not yet applicable on a global scale and remain financially inaccessible for many communities. Addressing this chronic ingestion at the human level may prove more beneficial in delaying the onset of associated clinical pathologies or preventing them all together.

Method development for the quantification of lead levels in whole blood sampled on Mitra® with VAMS® tips by inductively coupled plasma-MS/MS.

Background: Lead is harmful for humans by having adverse effects on different biological systems. Venepuncture is the gold standard for blood lead level analysis, but this method has many flaws. The goal of this research was to develop and validate a more practical approach for blood sampling. Materials & methods: Mitra® devices based on VAMS® and inductively coupled plasma-MS/MS technologies were employed. Performance evaluation of the newly developed method was also performed by comparing it versus a commonly used method at the Centre de Toxicologie du Québec for blood lead level analysis. Results: Comparison showed no signs of significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion: VAMS may be a useful alternative sampling approach for further research on blood lead analysis and possibly for many other trace elements.

Association Between Blood Lead Level With High Blood Pressure in US (NHANES 1999-2018).

Background: Lead is a toxic metal for human health, but the effect on blood pressure (BP) is still controversial. The object of this study was to demonstrate the association between blood lead levels with BP and hypertension (HTN). Methods: We used the database from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2018) to perform a cross-sectional study. We performed multivariate regressions to examine the association between blood lead level with HTN and BP, and then a subgroup analysis was performed. Results: A total of 32,289 participants were included in this study, but no significant difference was found between blood lead levels and HTN. However, the association between blood lead levels with systolic and diastolic pressure became positive. In the subgroup analysis stratified by race, the association between non-Hispanic white and black people still existed. Conclusion: The association between blood lead levels with HTN was not significant, but it was positively associated with BP. Besides, the association between non-Hispanic white and black people was also significant.

(Ascorb)ing Pb Neurotoxicity in the Developing Brain.

Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role in maintaining redox homeostasis in physiological and physio-pathological brain states. Furthermore, because of its capacity to chelate metal ions, ascorbic acid may particularly serve as a potent therapeutic agent in Pb poisoning. The present review first discusses the major consequences of Pb exposure in children and then proceeds to present evidence from human and animal studies for ascorbic acid as an efficient ameliorative supplemental nutrient in Pb poisoning, with a particular focus on developmental Pb neurotoxicity. In doing so, it is hoped that there is a revitalization for further research on understanding the brain functions of this essential, safe, and readily available vitamin in physiological states, as well to justify and establish it as an effective neuroprotective and modulatory factor in the pathologies of the nervous system, including developmental neuropathologies.

The Relationship Between Blood Lead Level and Preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Lead is a heavy metal to which people are commonly exposed. One of the possible mechanisms of tissue damages caused by this toxic metal is oxidative stress, which in turn may cause numerous pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal Blood Lead Level (BLL) and preeclampsia. METHODS: The present case-control study was conducted on 158 pregnant women admitted to a hospital in Zanjan, Iran, from August 2015 to March 2016. To measure their BLL, 1.5 cc of blood was drawn from each participant. The demographic and obstetric details of the patients were recorded in a form. The potentiometric method was used to test the samples. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS version 22, using Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi square, independent-samples t-test, Pearson product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean BLL was 6.24±1.74 µg/dl in the control group and 8.04±3.4 µg/dl in the preeclampsia group. The two groups were matching in terms of the mother's age and education and the household income. A significant relationship was observed between BLL and preeclampsia (p=0.028), as per every unit of increase (1 µg/dl) in BLL, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.014 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.013 mm Hg (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The results obtained suggest a relationship between BLL and preeclampsia. Global health measures should be taken to remove the exposure to lead so as to reduce its absorption by pregnant women.