Bullet Pb (blood) | Laboratory research

• CNS damage
• Lung dysfunction
• Anemia
• Gastrointestinal colic
• Liver damage
• Cardiovascular injuries

Mechanism

• Enhanced release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the CNS
• Increasing serum ET-1, NO, and EPO concentrations
• Inhibition of aminolevulinic acid ferrochelatase and dihydrogenase (violation of hemoglobin heme synthesis)
• Reduction in the concentration of antioxidants GSH, SOD, CAT and GPx.

Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals, which is quite abundant in the environment, and it can enter the body through the respiratory system, skin, and digestive system. Lead affects the nervous, genitourinary, cardiovascular, respiratory systems through immuno-modulating, oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms.

Anemia develops with long-term, chronic exposure to lead, which is due to the inhibition of two enzymes involved in heme synthesis - aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and ferrochelatase. Also, under the influence of lead, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and oxidative stress develops. GPx, CAT and SOD are metalloproteins whose antioxidant and anti-free radical functions are reduced by lead exposure. Long-term intoxication with lead disrupts the functioning of the immune system, in particular suppresses the proliferation of lymphocytes and NK (natural killer) cells in drivers, battery production workers, and silverware specialists. There is some evidence of a relationship between long-term lead exposure and atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Research material

The research material is selected depending on which metal is being tested and how long it was exposed to (short-term, long-term). Urine and blood are the most common test materials. To diagnose chronic intoxication, it is sometimes necessary to study nails and hair.

How to prepare for the test?

Some foods (fish, crustaceans) and medicines may contain heavy metals, so it is not recommended to take such products and medicines for 48 hours before the study.

Interpretation of answers

A higher than normal concentration of heavy metals in the blood may be a sign of severe intoxication, but not always. Even in the absence of symptoms, it is necessary to find a source of intoxication to reduce toxic exposure. Depending on the need, chelation (binding) therapy is also prescribed. Chelation therapy is usually accompanied by serious side effects, so the question of treatment should be decided by a doctor based on an assessment of risks and benefits.

A normal or low concentration of heavy metals in the blood indicates the absence of intoxication. However, some heavy metals quickly leave the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues. Therefore, in the presence of symptoms, despite the detection of a low concentration of heavy metals in the blood, sometimes additional studies are necessary - skin, hair, nails and other tissues.