scholarly journals Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwu Wang ◽  
Peng Huang ◽  
Ruibiao Zhang ◽  
Xueyong Feng ◽  
Qiulin Tang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, so toxic heavy metals may continue to threaten the health of children in the area. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of e-waste exposure on haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in preschool children. Methods Medical exams were conducted with the consent of children’s guardians and the approval of the Shantou University Medical College Ethics Committee. This study recruited 224 and 204 children in 3–6 years old from Guiyu (exposed group) and from a town without e-waste pollution (control group), respectively. Blood levels of lead, Hb, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 were tested in all children. Furthermore, all children were assessed for thalassemia, and their parents were asked to complete questionnaires. Results There was no significant differences in ferritin, folate, or vitamin B12 levels between the exposed and control groups (P > 0.05). All children were excluded thalassemia. Blood lead level (BLL) and the rate of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL were higher in the exposed group than control group (both P < 0.01). Both groups were further divided into three sub-groups according to BLL (Group A: <5.0 µg/dL; Group B: 5.0–9.9 µg/dL; Group C: ≥10.0 µg/dL). Hb levels were negatively correlated with BLL in exposed group (F = 3.52, P = 0.03), but not in control group (F = 1.98, P = 0.14). Hb levels in group B and group C were significantly lower in exposed group than in control group (Group B, P = 0.01; Group C, P = 0.03). In addition, the prevalence of anaemia in children with lead poisoning in exposed group were significantly higher than those in control group (4.0% versus 0.5%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of anaemia in children without lead poisoning and without iron deficiency in exposed group were also higher than those in control group (6.5% versus 2.0%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Lead exposure significantly inhibits Hb synthesis in children living in e-waste dismantling areas compared to those living in non-e-waste dismantling areas. Other toxins released from e-waste may also contribute to the inhibition of Hb synthesis and may lead to anaemia in local children. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence for the development of relevant protective measures.

Author(s):  
Hongwu Wang ◽  
Peng Huang ◽  
Ruibiao Zhang ◽  
Xueyong Feng ◽  
Qiulin Tang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, so toxic heavy metals may continue to threaten the health of children in the area. Objective This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of e-waste exposure on haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in preschool children. Methods Medical examinations were conducted with the permission of children’s guardians and the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Medical College of Shantou University. This study recruited 224 children (aged 3–6 years, exposed group) who lived in Guiyu and 204 children (aged 3–6 years, control group) who lived in a town free of e-waste pollution. Blood levels of lead, Hb, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 were tested in all children. Furthermore, all children were assessed for thalassemia, and their parents were asked to fill in questionnaires. Results There were no significant differences in the level of ferritin, folate, or vitamin B12 between the exposed and control groups (P > 0.05). No children were identified as having thalassemia in all study participants. Blood lead level (BLL) and the risk of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). Three subgroups of each group were created according to BLL (Group A: < 5.0 µg/dL; Group B: 5.0–9.9 µg/dL; Group C: ≥ 10.0 µg/dL). Hb level decreased with elevated BLL in the exposed group (P = 0.03), but not in the control group (P = 0.14). Hb levels in group B and group C were also significantly lower in the exposed group than in the control group (Group B: 122.6 ± 9.5 g/L versus 125.8 ± 8.2 g/L, P = 0.01; Group C: 120.3 ± 7.3 g/L versus 123.6 ± 8.3 g/L, P = 0.03). In addition, the prevalence of anaemia associated with BLLs above 10 µg/dL and between 5.0 and 9.9 µg/dL were both significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group (4.0% vs. 0.5%, 5.4% vs. 1.5%, respectively, both P < 0.05). Conclusion Lead exposure more significantly inhibits Hb synthesis in children who live in e-waste dismantling areas than in those who live in non-e-waste dismantling areas. Other toxins released from e-waste may also contribute to the inhibition of Hb synthesis and may lead to anaemia in local children. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence for the development of relevant protective measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezzeldin Shalaby ◽  
Hisham Abdelmawgoud

Abstract Background and Aims Around worldwide population, 10% are affected by chronic kidney diseases (CKD); hemodialysis is the common choice of renal replacement therapy. Cigarette smokers have higher Lead level than non-smoker population. As Tobacco leaves are grown on polluted soil, it is proven that Mercury poisoning depends on dose and duration of exposure. Aim of the study was to determine two important toxic heavy metals elements Lead and Mercury concentrations in regular hemodialysis patients smoker and non-smoker by comparison with normal subjects and its correlation to anemia. Method Blood samples were collected from CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 6 months divided into non-smoker and smoker to be compared with samples from a control group of non-CKD, non-smoker persons. This study was conducted in September 2019 in Al Mokattam Insurance Hospital – Cairo and involved 60 persons of both sex. They were divided into 3 groups: CKD stage 5 patients on hemodialysis 40 patients and sub-divided into 2 groups; (smoker) 20 patients and (non-smoker) 20 patients and the history of eating fish and seafood was taken. The third group was a control group included 20 healthy non-smoker participants. Lead and Mercury were analyzed by electro thermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer in Al Borg central Laboratory. The complete blood count (CBC), kidney function tests and Iron parameters were also detected. Results duration on hemodialysis did not raise Lead or Mercury level in blood, while smoking raises Lead level in blood, and eating fish and sea food more than once per week increased Mercury level in blood. There was a relation between raised Lead level and anaemia in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion Lead Prolonged and Mercury measurement is important in hemodialysis patients with possible symptoms of heavy metal toxicity. Lead level monitoring is recommended in resistant anemia in hemodialysis patients.


2020 ◽  
pp. 11-14

Introduction: Biological monitoring is highly recommended to assess occupational and environmental exposures to toxic chemicals. In this context, blood and urine are conventional matrices for lead poisoning biotoxicological assessment. Blood and urine analysis are more contributive for recent lead exposure. Chronic lead exposure may have different characteristics. long-term exposure could be responsible of insidious poisoning which cannot always be assessed by these usual matrices. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that human hair can be used as an alternative matrix to detect chronic toxic exposure among occupationally and non-occupationally leadexposed subjects. Material and Method: This case-control study analyzed blood, urine and hair sampled from 40 exposed workers versus a control group of 30. Particulate matters of lead are collected from different workplace ambient air. Analysis is realized using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Correlations are studied between the different matrices in both groups and between seniority and lead concentrations in biological samples. Results This study concerned 70 male subjects: forty battery manufacturing factory workers and thirty controls (non-exposed to lead in their workplaces). The results showed a significant correlation between lead levels in the three matrices and the intensity of exposure among both groups (Pb hair-blood P=0.017;Pb hair-urine<0.000). Hair lead concentrations study among cases in function of occupational seniority confirmed the stability of this matrix (Pb>3000 µg/g of hair at 20 years). The study of hair lead concentration according to workplace showed a significantly higher exposure for the station of assemblers. Conclusion Hair is an efficient biological sample to assess lead poisoning especially for chronic exposure. Hair is easy to collect, to handle and gives reproducible results that may be useful in monitoring of exposed workers. Key words Lead poisoning, monitoring, exposure, hair samples.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Laporte ◽  
H Barberin de Barberini ◽  
E Jouve ◽  
K Hadji ◽  
S Gentile

Abstract Background Removing lead sources is the main measure against child lead poisoning. Medical treatment is ineffective for most mild cases and particularly against long-term complications in neurological development. However, the effectiveness of interventions to eliminate sources of lead exposure has not been fully established, mainly because of the diversity of situations. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of several interventions (housing counselling, rehabilitation and relocation) on blood lead levels in two situations (stable unhealthy housing with old flaked lead paints, slums with family recycling practices by incineration). Methodology A historical cohort of lead poisoning in children has been established in Marseille, France. Medical follow-up followed national guidelines. Environmental interventions followed legal procedures, where available. In slums, counselling was adapted to the exposure. A generalized mixed model was developed to study the kinetics of blood lead levels after the interventions. Results 151 children were included; age = 5.4 (SD = 7.8) years; 85 (56%) lived in stable unhealthy housing, others lived in slums. Medical follow-up included 492 blood lead levels. For children living in stable unhealthy housing, blood lead level decrease was significantly associated with every intervention: housing counselling, rehabilitation and relocation (respectively p &lt; 0.005; p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.005). For children living in slums, blood lead level decrease was only associated with relocation in a stable housing (p &lt; 0.005). Conclusions Several interventions are effective to decrease blood lead levels in unhealthy housing. In slums, access to a stable housing first is a prerequisite for any intervention against child lead poisoning, even when related to family practices. Key messages In stable unhealthy housing, several interventions against lead exposure can be effective to raise a strategy. But, environmental health and access to housing first needs to be addressed for their implementation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jintana Sirivarasai ◽  
Sukhumpun Kaojarern ◽  
Suwannee Chanprasertyothin ◽  
Pachara Panpunuan ◽  
Krittaya Petchpoung ◽  
...  

Lead has been linked to the development of hypertension via oxidative stress. Catalase plays an important role in the disposal of hydrogen peroxide in erythrocyte and its activity was determined by CAT gene. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the association between blood levels of antioxidant markers such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, oxidative stress-marker (malondialdehyde), and blood lead level and (2) the influence of genetic polymorphism of CAT gene (rs769217) on change in blood pressure in general population of EGAT study project. This is a cross-sectional study of 332 normotensive, 432 prehypertensive, and 222 hypertensive male subjects. Hypertensive subjects had significantly higher blood lead level (5.28 μg/dL) compared to normotensive (4.41 μg/dL) and prehypertensive (4.55 μg/dL) subjects (P<0.05). These significant findings are also found in MDA levels. Moreover, individuals with TT genotype in hypertensive group had significantly higher blood lead and MDA levels (6.06 μg/dL and 9.67 μmol/L) than those with CC genotype (5.32 μg/dL and 8.31 μmol/L,P<0.05). Our findings suggested that decreased blood catalase activity in this polymorphism together with low level lead exposure induced lipid peroxidation may be responsible for hypertension.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3747-3747
Author(s):  
Drorit Merkel ◽  
Nir Hirshhoren ◽  
Tzippora Shochat ◽  
Asaf Vivante

Abstract Objective: To assess the impact of short term indoor firing ranges lead exposure and its relationship to iron, ferritin, lead, zinc protoporphyrin and hemoglobin concentration among young adults. Methods: We report of a clinical observation that was carried out in 30 young and healthy soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Blood samples were drawn for Lead (Pb), Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP),Iron, Hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin prior to and after a 6 weeks period of intensive shooting practice in indoor firing ranges. Results: A mean Blood lead level increase (p< 0.0001) with a mean Iron (p<0.0005) and mean ferritin (p<0.0625) decrease simultaneously after 6 weeks period of Lead dusts exposure were demonstrated. We found a trend for inverse correlation between pre-exposure low ferritin levels and post exposure high blood lead levels. Conclusion: We found decreased iron and ferritin levels after short term lead exposure among young adults. This can be explained by competition of iron and lead absorption viatransporters like DMT1 suggesting that lead poisoning can cause iron depletion and that iron depletion can aggravate lead poisoning. This synergistic effect should come to every physicians mind especially when treating patients with a potential risk for each problem separately. Lead (Pb), Zinc Protoporphryn (ZPP), Hemoglobin (Hb), Iron and Ferritin among the CTU soldiers before and after the indoor firing ranges lead exposer variable N Pre-exposure N Post-exposure Difference *P value Pb (mcg/dl) 29 10.3±2.3 30 18.9±3.6 8.8±2.6 0.0001 ZPP(mcg/dl) 29 42±7.5 30 42.9±8.1 0.03±6.5 NS Hb (g/dl) 30 15±0.7 30 14.8±0.9 0.2±0.2 NS MCV (fl) 30 88.7±2.5 30 89±2.7 0.3±0.2 NS Iron (mcg/dl) 29 108.5±43.6 30 77.4±24.4 −30.4±41.2 0.0005 Ferritin (mcg/l) 27 58.1±27.7 16 51±19.9 −6.1±10.7 0.0625 Correlation between Pre-exposure Ferritin levels and Post exposure Lead level.(Person correlation coefficient = −0.28 r=0.14 number of observations = 27) Correlation between Pre-exposure Ferritin levels and Post exposure Lead level.(Person correlation coefficient = −0.28 r=0.14 number of observations = 27)


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-102
Author(s):  
B. O. ONUNKWOR ◽  
R. N. UGBAJA ◽  
D. A. OMONIYI ◽  
A. O. DOSUMU

Lead has been implicated in the induction of reactive species production, leading to organ dysfunctions. The ameliorative roles of ascorbate and chelators in acute lead poisoning were comparatively studied in thirty-five male Wistar rats (150-200g), segregated into 5 groups (n=7/Group): group 1(administered normal saline),ª¤? groups 2-5 were orally exposed to 75mg/kg body weight lead acetate (PbAc) daily for 14 days. Pre-therapy blood samples were collected to ascertain blood lead level (BLL) and catalase activity 24hours after the last PbAc exposure. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were then treated with 30mg/kg body weight D-penicillamine; 30mg/kg body weight succimer; and 500mg/kg body weight ascorbate respectively for 10 days, followed by the assay for indices of oxidative stress, hepatic and renal dysfunctions.ª¤? Results obtained showed significantly elevated BLL in the four groups exposed to PbAc. which were significantly reversed about 2 folds in groups 3-5 after therapeutic interventions. Pre-therapy blood catalase activity of the PbAc treated groups was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 39% when compared with the control group, however ascorbate significantly (p<0.05) increased catalase activity by 2 folds above the control; decreased plasma activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine among the groups administered therapeutics. These findings indicate that ascorbate is more effectiveª¤?


2021 ◽  
pp. 074823372110489
Author(s):  
Nnenna L Nwobi ◽  
Joseph C Nwobi ◽  
Esther N Adejumo ◽  
Osahon S Usiobeigbe ◽  
Opeyemi A Adetunji ◽  
...  

Lead is an occupational toxicant and a recognised health threat particularly in developing countries. Hence, this study explored the interaction of blood lead level (BLL), a conventional marker of lead exposure, with indices of calcium metabolism and biomarkers of bone-turnover in 120 adult male automobile technicians (AT) with ≥ 1 year duration in professional practice. The AT as well as the control group, which comprised 120 age, body-size and socio-economically matched male administrative workers, were recruited from Sagamu, South West Nigeria. Levels of blood lead, serum indices of calcium metabolism [total calcium (tCa), ionised calcium (iCa), phosphate, albumin, magnesium (Mg) and 25-Hydroxycholecalceferol (25-OHCC)], biomarkers of bone formation [bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OC)] and biomarkers of bone resorption [tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TACRP-5b) and urinary hydroxyproline (UHYP)] were determined in all participants. The BLL, 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP significantly increased while tCa and iCa significantly reduced in AT compared to control. However, no significant difference was observed in phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC in AT compared to control. Interestingly, BLL demonstrated a significant negative association with tCa and iCa but a significant positive association with 25-OHCC, TRACP-5b and UHYP. However, BLL did not show significant association with phosphate, albumin, Mg, BALP and OC. Increased lead exposure as well as altered calcium metabolism and bone-turnover demonstrated by the automobile technicians may be suggestive of lead-induced accelerated bone demineralisation. These workers may be predisposed to high risk of increased susceptibility to bone diseases if this sub-clinical picture is sustained.


Author(s):  
Puput Octaviani Solehah ◽  
Fikhta Agnesya Tarusu ◽  
Joni Tandi ◽  
Niluh Puspita Dewi ◽  
Gabriella Bamba Ratih Lintin ◽  
...  

Diabetes is characterized by an increasing of blood levels and progressive changes in the structure of pancreatic islet of pancreas. Natural ingredients that contain antioxidants such as some cowpea leaves can be an alternative treatment for diabetes. This study aims to examine the effect of ethanol extract of some cowepea leaves (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) on morphometry (perimeter and diameter) of pancreatic islet of diabetic rat models. The type of research is quasi-experimental with posttest group design. Samples were 30 male wistar rats, age 8 weeks, BW 250-300 grams, that induced by single dose of STZ 40 mg/kg BW. Rats were divided into 5 groups. Group A: normal control, Group B: negative control, Group C: positive control, Group D: DM rats with 100mg/Kg BW extract therapy, Group E: DM rats with 200mg/Kg BW extract therapy, Group F: DM rats with extract therapy 300mg/Kg BW. Blood sugar levels were measured on days 7, 14 and 21. Pancreatic tissue was prepared with 5μm thickness and stained with Hematoxylin Eosin. The sample was observed under 400x magnification microscope. The observation uses Image J software to measure the perimeter and diameter of the pancreatic insula. Data were analyzed by non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and post hoct Mann Whitney statistical tests. Blood glucose level was obtained on 21st day with the highest mean in group B (246.8±156.3) and lowest in group A (67.2 ±7.85), perimeter of pancreatic islet was significantly different (p=0.026), the diameter is significantly different (p =0.046). Ethanol extract of some cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) leaves with dose of 300mg/kgBB helps to restore the blood and morphometry of pancreatic islet model of diabetic rats.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tongluk Teerasarntipan ◽  
Roongruedee Chaiteerakij ◽  
Piyapan Prueksapanich ◽  
Duangporn Werawatganon

Abstract Background: Chronic exposure to lead causes lead to accumulate mainly in the liver. In vivo studies have shown that lead toxicity is related to alterations in the inflammatory response. We aimed to evaluate the association between lead poisoning and liver fibrosis as well as the change in the degree of liver fibrosis, levels of inflammatory mediators and glutathione (GSH) after chelation therapy.Methods: Workers from a battery factory who were exposed to lead for > 12 months and had a blood lead level (BLL) > 70 µg/dL were enrolled (n=86) in the study. Participants underwent chelation therapy with intravenous CaNa2EDTA for 2 days followed by treatment with oral D-penicillamine for 90 days. The primary outcome was the change in the degree of liver fibrosis, which was presented as liver stiffness (LS) measured by FibroScan®. Secondary outcomes were the changes in the levels of serum GSH and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after chelation therapy.Results: Among the 86 participants, there was a positive correlation between the duration of lead exposure and LS (r=0.249, p=0.021). To avoid the confounding effect of obesity-related steatosis, only 70 individuals who had controlled attenuation parameters < 296 dB/m, BMI < 25 kg/m2 and normal waist circumference were included in the interventional analysis. After chelation, the mean LS significantly decreased from 5.4 ± 0.9 to 4.8 ± 1.4 kPa (p=0.001). Similarly, all of the inflammatory cytokines studied significantly decreased after chelation (p<0.001); TNF-α decreased from 371.6 ± 211.3 to 215.8 ± 142.7; the levels of IL-1β decreased from 29.8 ± 1.7 to 25.9 ± 4.3; and the levels of IL-6 decreased from 46.8 ± 10.2 to 35.0 ± 11.9. On the other hand, the mean GSH level increased significantly from 3.3 ± 3.3 to 13.1 ± 3.7 (p<0.001) after chelation therapy.Conclusion: The duration of lead exposure was significantly correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Chelation treatment was associated with increased levels of GSH and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and could potentially reduce the degree of LS.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered and approved by the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR) on 2019-11-07. The TCTR identification number is TCTR20191108001. http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=2867


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