جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « lead » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

The growing use of treated wastewater in farming has raised concerns about the potential impacts on public health.

This study assessed the levels of the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in plants watered in greenhouse settings using both well water and synthetic wastewater. Synthetic wastewater with As at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/L, Pb at 1, 3, and 5 mg/L, and Cd at 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/L, as well as well water were used to irrigate radish, coriander, and grass. In the end, 144 vegetable samples were gathered, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations in the samples. Risk assessment for consumers was determined based on the measured levels of heavy metals in the vegetables.

Even though the concentrations of heavy metals in the wastewater were within the limits for irrigation, the risk assessment showed that consumption of vegetables irrigated with treatment wastewater could pose risks to individuals’ health. The maximum concentration of Pb in radish leaves was observed at the Pb concentration of 5 mg/L, and the maximum concentration of As in cress irrigated with As effluent at the As concentration of 0.02 mg/L.

The consumption of vegetables containing Pb can pose a significant non-carcinogenic risk to consumers. However, well water may also be dangerous in the long run. Therefore, it is important to ensure about food safety when using treated wastewater for irrigation.

Lead exposure inflicts severe damage to various body organs. The present study sought to assess the effect of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) on the prevention of hepatic and renal damage in rats with chronic lead poisoning. The indicators were the levels of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines expression.

We used Rattus norvegicus as the animal model. They were assigned to three groups: negative control, positive control, and treatment (n=8 each). The negative control and treatment groups were the models for chronic lead poisoning, and the serum lead levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The treatment group was orally administered chitosan NPs at 64 mg/kg for 30 days. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using 2',7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate flow cytometry. The hepatic and renal TNF-α and IL-6 gene expressions were also analyzed.

The mean serum lead level was 0.52 mg/L, validating the rats as the lead poisoning model. The results indicated that the liver and kidneys in the treatment group had the lowest ROS and TNF-α levels compared to those in other groups. The treatment rats had a lower hepatic IL-6 level compared to those in positive controls, although this was higher than that in the negative controls. The renal IL-6 level in the treatment group was the highest among all groups.

As evidenced by the results of this study, chitosan NPs had a protective effect on the liver and kidneys of rats during chronic lead poisoning by reducing the ROS and TNF-α levels; nonetheless, it did not suppress the renal IL-6 expression.

The rate of lead extraction has steadily increased alongside the extensive use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Data on the complications and safety of this challenging procedure are limited. We investigated in-hospital and midterm outcomes following lead extraction.

Data were retrieved from 51 patients who underwent pacemaker/defibrillator lead extraction procedures at Tehran Heart Center between 2016 and 2021. The procedural success rate, patients’ demographic characteristics, and in-hospital and midterm procedure-related complications were investigated.

Fifty-one patients were enrolled, including 44 men (86.3%). A total of 109 leads were extracted, with a 90.2% complete procedural success rate. In-hospital death occurred in 4 patients (7.8%): 1 patient (1.9%) died from pneumonia, 1 (1.9%) from septic shock, and 2 (3.9%) from septic shock besides heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. Adverse events in 3 patients (5.8%) were directly related to the procedure: 1 patient (1.9%) suffered lung laceration and hemorrhage, 1 (1.9%) sustained subclavian injury, and 1 (1.9%) developed tamponade. Neither reinfection nor rehospitalization was observed during follow-up.

Lead extraction can be considered a highly successful procedure with a low rate of death-related events and complications.

Water is the most essential natural resources in the ecosystem and vital for the existence of all living beings as well as humans growth. Due to the rapid industrialization, water pollution is now the most vital matter of concern. A common ecological issue is water pollution with heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), which has become a major environmental problem due to the detrimental consequences on human health and ecosystems. Additionally, research into new and more effective water treatment methods is being driven by the persistence, toxicity, and accumulation of Pb and Hg in the human body. This is done to reduce the amount of Pb and Hg in water. To remove or lower the amount of Pb and Hg in water, several researchers make substantial use of the adsorption. Adsorption continues to be a practical method with flexible design and execution. In the past few years, nanotechnology has come to be a promising approach for the remediation of water polluted with these hazardous metals by adsorption. It will become more and more difficult to deploy technologically sophisticated alternative water treatments to meet the growing demand for lower levels of Pb and Hg in drinking water using current methods. Compared it to alternative approaches, nanotechnology has a lot of benefits. Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, have garnered attention as competent adsorbents for Pb and Hg removal from water. This review gives an in depth account of several nanoparticle preparation methods. The review also highlights the recent advancements in the application of different nanoparticles for the remediation of Pb and Hg from aquatic environments.

Alport syndrome is an inherited glomerular disease characterized by hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, progressive kidney failure, hearing loss, and ocular pathologies. It is caused by a mutation in COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes. A lamellar or uniformly thinned glomerular basement membrane is a pathognomonic histologic appearance for Alport syndrome. Light microscopy shows nonspecific findings, including mesangial matrix expansion and hypercellularity. Renal tubules are other main components of the kidney and the major sites in response to injuries. They are vulnerable to various conditions, such as hypoxia, proteinuria, and nephrotoxic substances, including heavy metals, like lead and mercury. We demonstrated that a patient with asymptomatic Alport syndrome may have accelerated worsening of kidney functions due to occupational exposure to lead and mercury. Regarding the initial diagnosis with current clinical and laboratory findings in patients, it is noteworthy that there is always the possibility of another pathology, and additional investigations may be needed. Besides, when considering public health issues and the financial burden due to occupational diseases, we desired to draw attention to the importance and need to create safer work environments and make frequent inspections.

The desire for beauty and frequent use of cosmetics can expose humans to heavy metals, which can cause immune system disorders over time. We selected 5 common lipstick brands to determine the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). We prepared each sample by acid digestion, and then the concentration of the metals was measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that Pb, Cd, and Cr were present in all lipstick samples. However, their concentrations were lower than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. The maximum concentrations of Pb and Cd were 2.31 mg/kg (brand A) and 0.037 mg/kg (brand D), respectively. Health risk assessment of the examined metals showed that only Cr can pose non-carcinogenic (14.98) and carcinogenic (44.96E-04) risks to consumers. Despite the low concentration of heavy metals in our study, chronic use of lipstick can pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to the presence of Cr.

Printing industry workers face hazards from noise and lead exposure. This study investigates the combined effects of lead and noise on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in these workers, as previous research has focused on isolated effects. This study aimed at assessing the impact of simultaneous lead and noise exposure on the health of people working in the printing industry.

Using TENMARS ELECTRONICS sound-meter following ISO9612:2009, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using Buege and Aust spectrophotometer Model CE1010 CECIL series 1000. Blood lead analysis followed NIOSH8003 method. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 20.0 with Pearson and ANOVA tests. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed to check the normality of the data.

The study found that the die-cut unit had significantly higher daily noise exposure (mean ± standard deviation = 87.71 ± 1.469 dB) compared to other units. Additionally, the printing unit had significantly higher lead concentration (mean ± standard deviation = 0.1431 ± 0.02 ppb) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (mean ± standard deviation = 0.9963 ± 0.238 mmol/lit) compared to other units.

The study found a strong link between blood lead levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in printing industry workers. However, no significant correlation was found between MDA levels and noise exposure or the combined exposure to noise and lead. These findings emphasize the need to address lead exposure in the printing industry to protect workers' health and prevent elevated MDA levels.

The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), as well as peroxide values in 52 samples of lipstick in Karaj, Iran. The Varian Spectra AA-220 atomic absorption spectrometer was utilized to determine the concentration of metals. The average levels of the analyzed metals were in good accordance with the standard levels set by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI 14622). The obtained results illustrated that the mean (±SE) levels of Pb, As, and Hg were 3.029±0.787, 0.546±0.090, and 0.044±0.002 µg/g, respectively. Moreover, the mean peroxide value (2.173±0.314 mEq/kg) was lower than the maximum amount set by ISIRI 14622 )10 mEq/kg). Therefore, a continuous monitoring program to ensure acceptable quality of these products along with an enhancement in the consumers’ awareness of the potential hazards of the regular use of cosmetic products is highly recommended.

The contamination of food with heavy metals is a significant concern for humans. Among food products, milk and dairy products have received more attention due to their widespread consumption at all ages, particularly among children. The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of lead and cadmium in milk and dairy products in Zanjan.

132 samples of milk, doogh, yogurt, and cream were collected from Zanjan city during the winter and summer of 2020-2021. The lead and cadmium levels in the samples were quantified using microwave digestion and graffiti furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

The average concentrations of lead and cadmium in traditional milk, industrial milk, doogh, full-fat yogurt, low-fat yogurt, and cream samples were 96.23, 89.91, 78.79, 49.79, 53.74, 106.08, and 2.76, 2.07, 2.59, 1.09, 1.34, 5.60 µg/kg, respectively. The mean lead concentrations in milk and dairy products during winter were significantly higher than those during summer, whereas the mean cadmium concentrations during summer were higher than those during winter for all dairy products.

The lead and cadmium concentrations in most of the samples exceeded the WHO-FAO standards of 20 and 2.6 µg/kg for lead and cadmium, respectively. Therefore, prompt action is necessary to address this issue.

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of lead poisoning include abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Depending on the severity of a symptom, surgical consultation is required. The present study aimed to make a comparison between the mean blood lead levels of patients hospitalized for lead toxicity and the various Gl symptoms. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 at Khorshid Hospital, the main regional referral center for poisoned patients (Isfahan, Iran). A total of 82 patients aged ≥18 years who were hospitalized for lead poisoning during 2017-2018 were included in the study. Patients’ information was extracted from hospital medical records, including demographic information, clinical manifestations, blood lead levels, and treatment outcome. The mean age of the patients was 48.18±11.9 years, 91.5% were men, and 62.2% suffered from multiple GI symptoms, with abdominal pain being predominant (31.7%). Blood lead levels in patients with multiple GI symptoms were higher than those with only one symptom (P=0.01). Surgical consultation was required in 14.6% of the patients. Multiple GI symptoms were the main predictive factor for blood lead levels above 70 mg/dL (P=0.03, Odds ratio=3.06, 95% CI=1.09-8.61). Given the prevalence of abdominal pain and its association with elevated blood lead levels, differential diagnosis of abdominal pain should include lead toxicity.

This study focused on the evaluation of the quality of borehole water in Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria, considering that groundwater serves as the primary source of potable water in the country. However, the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination raises concerns regarding its suitability for consumption.

Water samples were obtained from Okota, Ayo, Osi, Oke-Afa, Ajao, Oshi, and Iso-Aye Streets in Oshodi and assayed for the presence of heavy metals and microorganisms. The heavy metals analyzed in the samples included zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd). Additionally, the water samples were examined for the presence of bacteria, coliforms, and fungi as representative microorganisms. To evaluate the potential health risks associated with the heavy metals detected, non-carcinogenic risks were assessed. This involved determining parameters such as average daily dermal exposure (ADDE), average daily ingestion (ADI), and hazard quotient (HQ). Further, the carcinogenic risks (CR) of the heavy metals were determined.

The analysis of the water samples revealed that the levels of Pb and Mn, exceeded the recommended limits. However, ADI values for these heavy metals were found to be within permissible limits. The HQ of dermal exposure to Zn, Mn, and Pb during the dry season, as well as for Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb during the wet season, were higher than recommended limits. The CR (dermal) of Pb and Cr during the wet season and Pb during the dry season were also above recommended limits. In terms of microorganisms, the presence of bacteria, coliforms, and fungi in the water samples was found to be within permissible limits.

Given the identified presence of heavy metals exceeding recommended limits and the potential health risks associated with dermal exposure and ingestion, it is evident that the water from the assessed boreholes in Oshodi poses health hazards to consumers. Therefore, it is imperative to implement decontamination measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the provision of safe and potable water to the community.

Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests early in childhood but the pathogenic risks are controversial, and some environmental factors are thought to be involved. The association between toxic heavy metals and autism is currently a subject of research, and studies are underway on the role of toxic heavy metals in Egypt, focusing on the social, cultural, and environmental aspects. We investigated the aluminum, cadmium and lead levels in the hair and blood samples of Egyptian autistic children.

This study was conducted between July 2021 and December 2022 on 32 children with diagnosed autism, aged three to 13 years old, whom were compared with 30 age- and gender-matched children (normal controls). These children were subjected to childhood autism rating scale (CARS), and IQ tests. Also, the aluminum, cadmium, and lead levels were measured in their hair and blood samples for further statistical analyses.

The autistic children had significantly higher levels of aluminum, lead, and cadmium in the hair samples compared to those of the controls. Also, the blood levels of aluminum and cadmium were significantly higher in the autistic children. Those with severe autism had a higher level of hair aluminum compared to those with mild autism. We found positive correlations among the CARS data versus hair aluminum and blood cadmium levels. The regression analyses on blood cadmium levels were also predictive of CARS.

The study findings suggest a likely role for the three heavy metals as being the potential environmental triggers of autism in children.

Awareness of lead (Pb) distribution and zoning in urban, agricultural, and industrial areas is of particular importance in environmental protection planning. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the distribution of Pb in different uses with different levels of industrial development and human activities in urban areas in Hamadan during 2018. For this purpose, 146 soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth and prepared for air-dried laboratory analyses. Then, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total Pb, and adsorbable Pb in the soil were measured. The results demonstrated that the mean concentration of total Pb is 88 mg/kg. In addition, the mean concentration of Pb in urban, industrial, and agricultural areas was 41 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 17 mg/kg, respectively. Further, the average concentration of adsorbable Pb with a standard deviation of 0.3 in industrial, urban, and agricultural areas was 0.38 mg/kg, 0.16 mg/kg, and 0.06 mg/kg. Land use was an important source of Pb change in the studied soils; however, Pb change did not depend only on land use. Factors such as weather conditions or proximity to roads, as well as previous land uses, could affect the role of existing land use and be effective in the distribution of soil Pb. Studies revealed that the amount of the soil’s adsorbable Pb is more important than that of total Pb in different uses, which should be considered in any soil-related research.

Soil remediation in contaminated soils is an important factor of environmental research. This research evaluated the effect of sepiolite, palygorskite, and triple super phosphate (TSP) on decreasing the heavy metals uptake by wheat cultivars inoculated with Piriformospora indica (P. indica).

Treatments included applying sepiolite, palygorskite (at the rate of 0% and 5% (W/W), and TSP (0% and 0.5% W/W) in the Pb- and Zn-polluted soil under cultivation of 2 wheat cultivars (Mihan and Pishgam cultivars) that inoculated with P. indica fungus. Plants were harvested after 90 days, and Pb and Zn concentrations in soils and plants were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the catalase (CAT) enzyme activity was also measured. 

With applying 5% (W/W) sepiolite and palygorskite, the plant Pb concentration was significantly reduced by 11.8%, while the plant Zn concentration increased by 13.9%. Plant Zn and Pb concentrations considerably increased and decreased following plant inoculation. However, plant cultivars showed different results. Our results showed that the Pb and Zn concentrations were lower in Mihan than in the Pishgam wheat cultivar. In addition, increasing soil Pb availability caused a significant increase in CAT enzyme activity. Soil contamination with heavy metals had a negative impact on plant root colonization. 

The interaction of plant cultivars and P. indica significantly affected plant heavy metal uptake by plants. However, environmental studies have found that applying organic amendments like nan-clays or TSP can reduce the absorption of Pb by plants.

Lead is a highly toxic metal of great public health importance.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the kidney and liver function status and the markers of oxidative stress among lead recycling factory workers in Anambra State, Nigeria.

A total of 82 subjects (41 experimental and 41 control subjects) aged 20-60 years were recruited in this study. Lead levels in whole blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid levels as well as the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were measured using the spectrophotometric method. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were determined using colorimetric method and Berthelot’s and Jaffe slot methods were used to measure urea and creatinine levels, respectively.

The mean activities of SOD, GST, and catalase as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly lower in lead recycling workers compared with control group (P<0.05), whereas the mean activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT, as well as blood lead, MDA, urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels significantly increased in lead recycling workers (P<0.05). Furthermore, blood lead level was found positively correlated with MDA and creatinine levels but negatively with eGFR and GST levels (P<0.05). MDA level showed positive and negative correlations with creatinine and eGFR (P<0.05), respectively.

This study revealed significant alterations in the levels of some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in liver and kidney in lead recycling factory workers and showed a possible link between oxidative stress and the toxic effects of lead on the kidney and liver.