Abstract
Chronic physiological stress and hepatic injury were explored in this cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. Lead exposure was measured using Blood Lead Levels (BLL), which were divided into quartiles of exposure based on the distribution within the database. Allostatic load (AL), a variable representing chronic physiological stress, was operationalized using ten clinical markers. The geometric mean values for markers of liver injury of interest (a) Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), (b) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), (c) Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and (d) Gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) were explored in quartiles of lead exposure. Associations between AL and AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT among those exposed to lead were analyzed using linear regression models. In examining lead exposure in increasing quartiles, the geometric mean of the liver injury markers showed significant elevations as lead exposure levels increased. Simple linear regression revealed AL was positively associated with several markers of hepatic injury in all degrees of lead exposure. This study demonstrates the potential dangers of social and environmental exposures to liver health.
Highlights
Lead exposure may come about due to exposure from lead-contaminated paint, water, jewelry, candy, soil, and dust [1,2]
Study Variables among Individuals Exposed to Quartiles of Lead Exposure
The relationship between Allostatic load (AL) and the markers among those exposed to quartiles of lead levels was explored using linear regression models
Summary
Lead exposure may come about due to exposure from lead-contaminated paint, water, jewelry, candy, soil, and dust [1,2]. The accumulation of lead in the body begins in the womb [3], builds up in the bone over time, and induces pathology in numerous organ systems within the body [4,5,6,7,8,9]. This process can alter the life course of exposed individuals by downwardly altering their education outcomes, income, and behavior [10,11]. The liver is the largest organ in the human body and has three vital functions (a) detoxification—where it recovers and eliminates many toxins and toxicants, (b) synthesis—where it metabolizes critical macromolecules such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and produces bile and critical coagulation factors, and (c) storage—where the liver stores essential vitamins such as (A, D, E, and K) and glycogen, which is critical for the energy needs of the body
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