Genetic susceptibility to lead poisoning—A case report

Abstract

Lead poisoning is well documented in persons occupationally exposed to lead. What is less known is, that even in persons working in lead based CASE REPORTA 30-year old male working in a lead acid battery factory for over 6 years came to our laboratory, at the National Referral Centre for lead poisoning in India, Bangalore, wanting to check out his blood lead levels after his friend, who had abdominal pain and weakness of the right arm was detected to have high blood lead levels. He was totally asymptomatic. On examination, he was found to be a middle aged male, well built and well nourished. There was no pallor, icterus or cyanosis. His pulse, blood pressure and other vital signs were normal. Systemic examination including that of the central nervous system did not reveal any abnormality.Blood investigations were done and the findings were as follows (Values in parenthesis indicate normal range) : Haemoglobin = 14.3gms/dl (13-18gms/dl), Total count = 9900 (4000-11000), Differential count -Neutrophils = 49% (40-75%), Lymphocytes = 37% (20-45%), Eosinophils = 11%(1-6%), Myelocytes =2%(<1%), Metamyelocytes =1%(<1%), Platelets = 2.25 lacs/ml (1.5-4.1 lacs/ml) and Blood lead = 82.8Pg/dl (<10Pg/dl)

Does maternal VDR FokI single nucleotide polymorphism have an effect on lead levels of placenta, maternal and cord bloods?

“…The most related genes affecting lead toxicokinetics are delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene, Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and human hemochromatosis gene (HFE) [2,33,34]. The genetic polymorphisms in VDR gene are associated with lead toxicity due to the relationship between Ca 2þ and Pb 2þ .…”

“…Lead that has been no known nutritive value has serious effects in the nervous, circulatory, skeletal, renal, hematopoietic, and endocrine systems [1]. The severity of these adverse effects depends on the dose, duration and timing of exposure as well as genetic variations influencing susceptibility of humans to lead exposure [2]. Children are more sensitive to the toxic effects of lead, a significant developmental neurotoxicant, than adults [1].…”

“…Lead, the 5th most abundant metal in the earth's crust [1,2], is a naturally occurring, ubiquitous atmospheric pollutant and a food contaminant [3,4]. Lead that has been no known nutritive value has serious effects in the nervous, circulatory, skeletal, renal, hematopoietic, and endocrine systems [1].…”

Study of Blood Iron and vs. Blood Lead Levels in Beta-Thalassemia Patients in Turkey: An Application of Analytical Toxicology

“…Lead (Pb) is the 5th most abundant metal in the earth's crust (9). Moreover, it is a cumulative, environmental, and occupational toxic substance (10).…”