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Lead: Tiny but Mighty Poison

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Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The documentation of lead toxicity (plumbism) dates back to the times when man learnt its various applications. This versatile heavy metal is non-degradable and its ability to get accumulated in the body that goes undiagnosed, makes it a serious environmental health hazard. Lead is now known to affect almost every organ/tissue of the human body. With irreversible effects on neurobiological development of young children and foetus, its toxicity has lasting implications on the human life. Outlining the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment therapy for lead poisoning, the present review elaborates the pathophysiological effects of lead on various organs. This will be of immense help to the health professionals so as to inculcate a better understanding of the lead poisoning which otherwise is asymptomatic. With chelation therapy being the classic path of treatment, new strategies are being explored as additive/adjunct therapy. It is now understood that lead toxicity is completely preventable. In this regard significant efforts are in place in the developed countries whereas much needs to be done in the developing countries. Spreading the awareness amongst the masses by educating them and reducing the usage of lead following stricter industry norms appears to be the only roadmap to prevent lead poisoning. Efforts being undertaken by the Government of India and other organisations are also mentioned.

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Abbreviations

ACCLPP:

Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

ALA:

δ-Aminolevulinic acid

ALAD:

δ-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratrase

ALAS:

δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase

BBB:

Blood brain barrier

BLL:

Blood lead level

CAT:

Catalase

CDC:

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

EP:

Erythrocyte protoporphyrin

GSH:

Reduced glutathione

GST:

Glutathione-S-transferase

HCG:

Human chorionic gonadotropin

IARC:

International Agency for Research in Cancer

IQ:

Intelligence quotient

NAC:

N-acetyl cysteine

NRCLPI:

National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India

RBC:

Red blood cell

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan, Distt. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, 173001, India

    Chaffy Sachdeva, Kshema Thakur & Krishan Kumar Sharma

  2. Department of Microbiology and Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India

    Aditi Sharma

Authors
  1. Chaffy Sachdeva
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  2. Kshema Thakur
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  3. Aditi Sharma
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  4. Krishan Kumar Sharma
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Contributions

KKS conceptualized the idea of the review, guided through it, critically read and organized the final manuscript. CS, KT and AS researched the data and drafted the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Krishan Kumar Sharma.

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The authors have no conflict of interest with this manuscript.

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Sachdeva, C., Thakur, K., Sharma, A. et al. Lead: Tiny but Mighty Poison. Ind J Clin Biochem 33, 132–146 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-017-0680-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-017-0680-3

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