An association between increased porphyrin precursors and onset of abdominal symptoms in lead poisoning

Abstract

To examine a potential role of porphyrinopathy induced by lead (Pb) exposure in the pathogenesis of constipation in Pb poisoning, a Pb-intoxicated worker was subjected to the serial determinations for various biochemical indicators of Pb exposure in relation to the onset of constipation. The results have shown that the onset of constipation parallels a rapid rise in either urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or coproporphyrin (CP), or both. The present evidence is not yet conclusive as to the involvement of porphyrinopathic mechanism in the development of constipation in Pb intoxication.