Serum Lead Levels Research Articles

Impact of urban lead pollution on the hematology and reproductive histopathology of stray cats in Indonesian megacities

Lead pollution in urban environments has become a significant concern owing to its potential impact on the health of wildlife, including cats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lead exposure on the hematological parameters and reproductive histopathology of stray cats in Jakarta and Surabaya. The toxicity of inhaled lead contamination is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, affecting the reproductive system through hormonal disruption by reducing hypothalamic function and through cytotoxicity by inducing reactive oxygen species. Bioindicators in the form of male wild cats were used as experimental animals and were selected through accidental sampling over a 24-h period, with at least five animals collected from each region. Blood samples were utilized for hematological analysis and blood lead concentration measurement, whereas testicular tissues were prepared for histopathological examination. Although the serum lead levels of the cats were within the safe limits set by the World Health Organization, several morphological abnormalities in the blood cells were noted, including basophilic stippling and the presence of clover-leaf cells, indicating the toxic effects of lead exposure. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed seminiferous tubule degeneration and atrophy, which could affect reproductive function. These findings suggest that although lead exposure remains within tolerable limits, its implications for the reproductive health of stray cats warrant further attention. This study highlights the importance of monitoring lead pollution in urban areas and underscores the need for conservation measures to protect stray cat populations and their ecosystems.

Lead poisoning as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain: a case–control study in Tehran-Iran

BackgroundChronic abdominal pain is a potential symptom of lead poisoning, which is often challenging to diagnose. This case–control study aimed to evaluate blood lead levels in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain.MethodsThe case–control study was conducted on 190 pediatrics who presented to the Children's Medical Center Hospital clinics, Tehran between April 2021- 2023. The children were divided into two groups: the case group, consisting of 81 patients with chronic abdominal pain, and the matched control group; 109 children without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using STATA 16. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the association of different independent variables with chronic abdominal pain.ResultsThere was no significant difference between mean (± standard deviation [SD]) of age (8.80(2.7) years vs. control group: 9.23(3.9) years), sex, and BMI (16.55(4.6) vs. 17.32(4.7)) of the patients with chronic abdominal pain (case group) and the control group, whereas the mean weight was remarkably low in patients with chronic abdominal pain: 27.25(± 12.1) kg vs. 31.70(± 14.7) kg (P value = 0.028). Fifty-nine percent of children with chronic abdominal pain had serum lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL. The mean (SD) of blood lead levels was statistically high in the case group: 11.09 (± 5.35) µg/dL vs. control group: 8.26 (± 5.01) µg/dL) (P value ≤ 0.05). The appetite level was significantly low in the case group: 3.8 (± 2.5) vs. control group 5.4 (± 1.3).ConclusionsLead poisoning could be a possible cause of children's chronic abdominal pain. Regarding the high rate of lead poisoning in children exerting appropriate measures to reduce their exposure to lead is necessary.

Protective Effects of Chitosan Nanoparticles against Hepatic and Renal Damage in Rats with Chronic Lead Poisoning

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Serum Cadmium and Lead Levels in Thalassemic Patients of Najaf Governorate, Iraq.

Thematological is a class of hereditary hematologic illnesses resulting from abnormalities in the production of one or more hemoglobin chains. Patients with β-Thematological may have a reduction in heavy metal levels as a result of iron chelate medication. The aim is to study the levels of heavy metals (toxic) in the blood of beta-Thematological patients and compare them to healthy people for the purpose of arriving at indicators through which it is possible to assist in early diagnosis of this disease or reduce symptoms. The study included 80 patients in comparison with age- and gender-matched 40 healthy individuals as controls. Samples were gathered between July 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023. The patients were interviewed for socio-demographic variables, and their medical histories were obtained from the hospital files. Cadmium and lead concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). All samples from Thematological patients were taken after the chelating therapy. Cadmium levels in Thematological patients were found to be lower in both genders in the control group. Lead levels were found to be greater in male Thematological patients and lower in female Thematological patients than those in the control group of female Thematological patients. Additionally, it was observed that patients from areas outside of Najaf's city center had greater levels of lead and cadmium than patients from the city center. Cadmium and lead levels in the serum were often low in Thematological patients. Heavy metals are eliminated when deferasirox chelate is taken.

The Causal Association Between Blood Lead and Sleep Disorders: Evidence from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian Randomization Analysis

BackgroundPoor sleep quality is a global public health concern. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for sleep disorders and clarify their causal effects.MethodsData were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR)-Base databases. Baseline characteristics of individuals with and without sleep disorders were compared. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the effects of each variable on sleep disorders. Causal effects of blood lead levels and hypertension on sleep disorders were assessed using MR analysis.ResultsIn total, 3660 individuals were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of self-reported sleep disorders was 26.21%. Serum lead level, serum mercury level, serum retinol level, prevalence of hypertension, and daily vigorous work duration were significantly higher for those in the sleep disorders group than the control group. After adjusting for various covariates, the effects of serum lead and hypertension on sleep disorders were stable from logistic regression models 1–4. MR analysis showed that blood lead levels were causally related to the risk of sleep disorders (odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.17, P = 0.030). There was no causal link between elevated blood pressure and sleep disorders (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.94–1.04, P = 0.757). Goodness-of-fit tests and sensitivity analyses were used to verify the reliability of the results.ConclusionsBlood lead is positively and causally associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders. These findings provide a novel perspective regarding sleep protection. Taking effective measures to reduce lead exposure may significantly improve sleep health.

The Association of Uremic Pruritus with Blood Lead Level in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients through Systemic Inflammation

Abstract Back ground and objective Pruritus is a common and often distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. Though the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus remains poorly understood, however systemic inflammation is one of the possible pathogenesis of uremic pruritus, and blood lead level has been noted to be associated with inflammation and nutritional status in long-term hemodialysis patients. There might be an interaction or association, therefore, between blood lead level and uremic pruritus through systemic inflammation. Blood lead level in hemodialysis patients might increase the intensity or have an additive role of pruritus caused by other more common risk factors. This study aims to further verify or deny the relation between blood lead level and uremic pruritus. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The present study is a cross sectional study that investigates the relation between blood lead levels and pruritus in patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis. 50 patients were enrolled in this study, all were on regular hemodialysis 3 times a week, patients with primary skin diseases (psoriasis, erythroderma, etc), HCV positive patients, patients with chronic liver disease and patients with malignancies were excluded. Patients with PTH levels over 300 pg/dl And those with corrected calcium and phosphorus levels over 10.2 and 5.5 mg/dl Were excluded from the study. We divided the patients into 2 groups, group 1 (n = 10) with no pruritus and group 2 (n = 40) with varying degrees of pruritus. Results There was a significant difference in serum lead levels and ferritin levels between group 1 and 2. Group 2 was further divided according to intensity of Pruritus by VAS score into mild (n = 10), moderate (n = 20) and severe pruritus (n = 10) There was also a statistically significant difference in serum lead levels in different groups of intensity of pruritus, having higher serum lead levels in patients who exhibited severe pruritus. And there was a significant correlation between blood lead and duration of dialysis Conclusion Uremic pruritus is a multi-factorial phenomenon, our study showed that Blood lead level in HD patients might increase the intensity and have an additive role in the pathogenesis of pruritus in dialysis patients hence Blood lead level is positively correlated with Uremic Pruritus. We were able to demonstrate that both blood lead and duration of dialysis together are the most sensitive predictors for pruritus, the best cut off value for blood lead is 6 together with duration above 10 with high sensitivity, specificity and efficacy.

Serum levels of lead are associated with venous thromboembolism: a retrospective study based on the NHANES database (1999 to 2018).

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical problem. While lead toxicity is known to affect the nervous, hematopoietic system, skeletal, and cardiovascular system, the relationship between blood lead levels and VTE remains unclear. This study explored whether there is a correlation between the levels of serum lead and VTE through a retrospective analysis based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), so as to provide a reference for follow-up research and clinical practice. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, subjects were enrolled from the NHANES (1999 to 2018) database and divided into a VTE group and a non-VTE group. The factors related to VTE were analyzed by single factor and multiple factor logistic regression analysis. A total of 31,081 subjects were included, of which 59 had VTE (0.19%). The higher the levels of serum lead, the higher the incidence of VTE. The univariate analysis revealed that age, male sex, history of cigarette use, hypertension, diabetes, and serum lead levels were factors associated with VTE in the population from the NHANES database. Further multivariate analysis revealed that age, history of cigarette use, hypertension, diabetes, and serum lead levels were factors associated with VTE. The findings of this study suggest that higher serum levels of lead may be associated with VTE.

Benefits of fermented synbiotic soymilk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and inulin towards lead toxicity alleviation

This study aims to evaluate the effect of fermented synbiotic soy milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and inulin on a series of hematological and oxidative stress parameters, as well as serum lead levels in rats. In this study, 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to assess probiotics (L. acidophilus or B. lactis), probiotics with prebiotics (i.e., inulin), and the corresponding controls. Several hematologic parameters (red blood cell (RBC)), hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hgb)), serum lead levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) presence was measured to evaluate changes on day 42. Although a significant difference was observed in serum lead levels, there were no significant changes in hematological and oxidative stress parameters between the study groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that administering synbiotic fermented soy milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and the prebiotic inulin may significantly improve serum lead levels in rats.

Take the lead

A 23-year-old previously healthy woman presented with headache, generalized seizures, ataxia, encephalopathy, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting culminating in a 40-pound weight loss. A contrasted magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain showed T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in the sulci of the occipital and parietal lobes, a punctate focus of restricted diffusion along the inferior aspect of the left caudate head and an empty sella. A lumbar puncture showed an opening pressure of 55 cm H2O, and kidney, ureter, and bladder X ray showed a radiopaque particle in the colon. Serum lead level was 85 mcg/dL (<3.5). Blood smear showed foreign bodies identified as lead particles in the blood with basophilic stippling of RBCs. She was treated with chelation therapy and bowel irrigation and eventually recovered. Further investigation indicated that she was being slowly poisoned by her husband, a chiropractor who had access to lead.

Cadmium, lead, and mercury interactions on obstructive lung function in pre- and postmenopausal women.

There was a dearth of information on how heavy metals affect women's lung function. To assess the effects of cadmium, lead, and mercury and their interactions on obstructive lung function in pre- and postmenopausal women. The associations between an individual heavy metal and its mixtures and the first second of forced expiration (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) were studied using multivariate non-linear, linear, and logistic regression models, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and marginal effects in 1821 women. Serum cadmium and lead levels and the percentage of FEV1/FVC < 70% were substantially higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Cadmium (β = - 0.84, 95%, - 1.63 to - 0.05) and lead (β = - 0.43, 95%CI, - 1.62 to - 0.04) were found to be inversely associated with the FEV1/FVC ratio in premenopausal women, while a combination of cadmium and mercury showed a negative association with the FEV1/FVC ratio in postmenopausal women (β = - 0.65, 95%CI, - 1.27 to - 0.03). In the non-linear regression model, an inverted U-shape association of mercury with FEV1/FVC indicator was found in postmenopausal women (β = - 0.78, 95%CI, - 1.41 to - 0.15). In BKMR model, a mixture of three heavy metals was negatively associated with the FEV1/FVC ratio. Cadmium was identified as an important substance associated with lung function decline (posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) = 0.731 in premenopausal and PIPs = 0.514 in postmenopausal women). Cadmium appeared linear; an inverted U-shape association of mercury with the FEV1/FVC indicator and slightly positive associations of lead with the FEV1/FVC indicator in postmenopausal women were found. Threshold cutoff values for the studied substances related to clinical lung function decline were established. In conclusion, the presence of mixed heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) and their association with obstructive lung function showed worse results than separate associations. These findings have important implications for policy and future research about how heavy metals affect women's lungs.

Elevated serum lead and cadmium levels associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia in children aged 6 to 9years in Shenzhen, China.

Exposure to heavy metals can influence on metabolism, but studies have not fully evaluated young children. We investigated the association between levels of serum lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) and risk of dyslipidemia in children. A total of 4513 children aged 6 to 9years at 19 primary schools in Shenzhen were enrolled. Overall, 663 children with dyslipidemia were matched 1:1 with control by sex and age, and levels of serum Pb, Cd, Cr, and As were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Demographic characteristics and lifestyle were covariates in the logistic regression to determine the association of heavy metal levels with risk of dyslipidemia. Serum Pb and Cd levels were significantly higher in children with dyslipidemia than controls (133.08 vs. 84.19μg/L; 0.45 vs. 0.29μg/L; all P < 0.05), but this association was not found in Cr and As. We found significant upward trends for the odds ratios (ORs) of dyslipidemia associated with increasing quartiles of Pb and Cd levels (highest quartile of serum Pb OR 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-2.38; Cd OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.94-3.24). Elevated serum Pb and Cd levels were associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia among children.

Concurrent serum lead levels and cognitive function in older adults.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum lead levels and cognitive functioning in a sample of older adults in the US. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2013, a total of 768 older adults aged ≥60 years were included in the analysis. Lead concentrations in the whole blood samples were assessed using mass spectrometry. We used the immediate and delayed memory portions of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning Subtest (CERAD-WL), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) to assess the participants' cognitive performance. Using sample averages and standard deviations (SDs), we computed test-specific and global cognition z-scores. To assess the relationships between the quartiles of serum lead levels and cognitive performance, we built multiple linear regression models and adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, depressive symptoms, alcohol usage, and body mass index. The average age of the participants was 69.6 (SD 6.6) years. Approximately half of the participants were women (52.6%), non-Hispanic white (52.0%), and had completed at least some college education (51.8%). The average serum lead concentration was 1.8 g/dL (SD 1.6) for these participants. The results of multiple linear regression using individuals in the lowest serum lead quantile as a reference group revealed that the serum lead level was not associated with test-specific (CERAD-WL, AFT, and DSST) or global cognitive z-scores. In older adults, concurrent serum lead concentration is not related to cognitive performance. Early or continuous lead exposure may exert a greater effect on the etiology of accelerated cognitive decline with old age.

Evaluation the Effect of Serum Lead Levels on Thyroid Function in Battery Industry Workers.

To assess the relationships between blood lead levels and thyroid functional tests in battery industry workers. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 personnel of a battery factory in 2019. The checklist including demographic information of employees (age, sex, work experience, smoking, etc.) of the work shift, work environment, and duration of work was completed. Venous blood samples were also taken from the participants to check blood levels of lead and thyroid hormones. The mean age of participants was 36.1 ± 5.6 years and their mean TSH and lead levels were 3.69 ± 2.45 mIU/L and 297.9 ± 174.2 μg/L, respectively. Participants were divided into two groups based on job duties: administrative and working in the production line. Participants were divided into two groups based on blood lead levels: normal (less than 300 μg/L) and high lead level (more than 300 μg/L). Only the work experience between these two groups was significantly different and was higher in the high lead group compared to the normal lead group and no significant difference was observed between different groups based on lead level in terms of TSH level and thyroid hormones. Our study showed that although the amount of whole blood lead concentration is not related to thyroid hormone levels and thyroid function, but with increasing work experience, the amount of whole blood lead also increases significantly and since lead poisoning can have many health hazards, employers must plan to minimize the lead exposure of workers and provide protective equipment for workers.

A Comparison of Blood Indices in Orally and Inhaled Opium Addicts with Non-addict Healthy Control

Background: Drug abuse and drug dependence are very common in the community, which causes complications in patients. It is necessary to identify these complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the blood parameters of oral and inhaled opium addicts with healthy individuals in Zahedan. Methods: This study was performed on 60 people (20 in the group of oral opium addicts, 20 in the group of inhaled opium addicts, and 20 in the healthy group). After recording demographic information, blood parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: The findings of our study showed that the mean of white blood cell (WBC), platelets (PLT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was not significantly different in the three groups. However, it was found that the mean of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in the healthy groups and serum lead (Pb) levels in addicts was significantly higher, but no difference was seen between the oral and inhaled groups. It was also found that in all subjects, Pb had an inverse and significant relationship with RBC, Hb, and Hct. Conclusions: The higher levels of Pb in the blood of substance abusers may cause further anemia, and blood Pb levels must be frequently checked in substance abusers.

Serum Lead Level and Academic Performance of Elementary School Children in Makassar City

Lead exposure to children results in a negative effect on behaviour and cognitive performance. Air lead concentration might be influenced by traffic density on the road. Schools are the locations affected by traffic-related pollution. This study aims to explore the correlation between Serum Lead Levels (SLL) and academic achievement of elementary school students, comparing the distance of the school from the road. This cross-sectional study included 54 5th and 6th-grade students from two schools that differed in the distance from the main road. We observed the students' SLL with laboratory analysis and academic performance from the final score of five subjects. The mean difference of SLL and academic achievement between the two schools were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the correlation between lead concentration and academic performance using the Spearman-Rho test. This study observed that all students were exposed to lead with the SLL range of 0.39-5.97 µg/dL in the school which is located road side, and 0.42-6.44 µg/dL in the school far from main road. The insignificant difference in the students' SLL (p=0.43) between the two schools but significant in students-level of academic performance (p=0.03) were discovered. Serum lead level correlated negatively with academic performance. (r=-0.234, p=0.044). It is suggested to give more attention to preventing lead exposure in children through the implementation of some prevention programmes and policies.

Interactions between heavy metals and sleep duration among pre-and postmenopausal women: A current approach to molecular mechanisms involved

The effects of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) and their mixtures on sleep duration in pre-and postmenopausal women, particularly the molecular mechanisms, remain unknown. Here, we assessed the interaction between heavy metals and sleep duration among pre-and postmenopausal women (n = 1134). Furthermore, molecular mechanisms related to sleep disorders induced by studied heavy metals were further analyzed to support the previous findings. We found that serum lead levels were positively related to weekend and weekday sleep duration in premenopausal women. There were interactions between serum lead and mercury and menopausal status for sleep duration. Serum lead and mercury levels were shown to be inversely related to sleep duration in postmenopausal women. Despite the lack of statistically significant associations between mixed heavy metals and sleep duration, there were increasing trends in premenopausal women's sleeping patterns and decreasing trends in postmenopausal women's sleeping patterns. In silico analysis, IL1B, hsa-21-5p, hsa-887-3p, hsa-877-3p, and NR4A1 were identified as the most relevant genes, miRNAs, and transcription factors linked with sleep disorders induced by combined heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury). Furthermore, “type 1 melanocortin receptor binding,” “endocrine hormone secretion,” “interleukin-1 receptor antagonist activity,” “altered melanocortin system,” and “sleep wake disorders” were identified as the predominant molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders induced by the studied heavy metals. Cut off point values and miRNA sponge templates for heavy metal exposure levels relevant to sleep disorders in pre- and postmenopausal women were reported. Future research is needed to verify our findings and provide insight into the molecular processes of long-term mixed heavy metal exposure in various populations, such as children and the elderly.

Comparison of Serum Copper, Zinc, Lead, Aluminium and Iron Levels in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease with Healthy Controls in Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To compare serum Copper, Zinc, Lead, Aluminium and Iron levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease with healthy subjects and the association of these trace elements.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2019 to Jul 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Out of the total of 129 study participants, 83 were Parkinson’s disease patients, and 46 were healthy subjects. Serum Iron level was measured on random access fully automated chemistry analyser advia 1800. In addition, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Aluminium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These levels were compared between patients with Parkinson’s disease and healthy subjects using the Mann-Whitney U test.&#x0D; Results: Out of the total 129 subjects, males accounted for 51(61.4%) and females were 32(38.6%) in the diseased Group, while in healthy subjects, males accounted for 22(47.8%) and females for 24(52.2%). Levels of Copper, Zinc and Iron were signifi-cantly decreased in patients with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy subjects (p&lt;0.001). However, serum concentrations of Aluminium and Lead showed an increasing trend in patients with Parkinson’s disease compared to age-matched healthy subjects (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Decreased levels of serum copper, iron and Zinc were seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease, while aluminium and lead levels were raised, showing the potential neurotoxic role of these elements.

The effect of residential proximity to brownfields, highways, and heavy traffic on serum metal levels in the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study.

Research in environmental sciences has demonstrated that land in close proximity to brownfields and heavily trafficked highways is contaminated with toxic metals. Despite this, little is known about the influence of brownfields and highways on metal levels in residents living nearby. We used data from 774 participants in the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study to estimate the effect of residential proximity to brownfields, highways, and present-day traffic on serum levels of lead, mercury, manganese, and copper using generalized estimating equations. We found that a 1 standard deviation increase in residential brownfield density within 200m was associated with increased serum lead levels (β: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.09). The same modeled increase in a subset of historic industrial-use brownfields was associated with elevated serum mercury (β: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.09). Increased highway and traffic density was positively associated with serum manganese (β: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.04). Highway and traffic density was also positively associated with serum lead (β: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03) after restricting the analysis to participants who did not move during the study follow-up period. These findings draw attention to the importance of remediating polluted post-industrial sites in heavily populated areas, particularly as residents continue to move into densely populated cities around the globe.

Objectively measured external building quality, Census housing vacancies and age, and serum metals in an adult cohort in Detroit, Michigan.

Residentially derived lead pollution remains a significant problem in urban areas across the country and globe. The risks of childhood residence in housing contaminated with lead-based paint are well-established, but less is known about the effects of housing quality on adult lead exposure. To evaluate the effects of residential-area housing age, vacancy status, and building quality on adult lead exposures. We evaluated the effect of Census block group housing vacancy proportion, block group housing age, and in-person survey evaluated neighborhood building quality on serum levels of lead, mercury, manganese, and copper among a representative cohort of adults in Detroit, Michigan, from 2008-2013 using generalized estimating equations. Participants in Census block groups with higher proportions of vacant and aged housing had non-significantly elevated serum lead levels. We identified similar positive associations between residence in neighborhoods with poorer objectively measured building quality and serum lead. Associations between Census vacancies, housing age, objectively measured building quality, and serum lead were stronger among participants with a more stable residential history. Vacant, aged, and poorly maintained housing may contribute to widespread, low-level lead exposure among adult residents of older cities like Detroit, Michigan. US Census and neighborhood quality data may be a useful tool to identify population-level lead exposures among US adults. Using longitudinal data from a representative cohort of adults in Detroit, Michigan, we demonstrate that Census data regarding housing vacancies and age and neighborhood survey data regarding housing quality are associated with increasing serum lead levels. Previous research has primarily focused on housing quality and lead exposures among children. Here, we demonstrate that area-level metrics of housing quality are associated with lead exposures among adults.

Effect of serum lead on salivary visfatin levels in periodontitis patients using smoke or smokeless form of tobacco

To evaluate effect of serum lead on salivary visfatin levels in periodontitis patients using smoke and smokeless form of tobacco. A total of 60 male patients with generalized periodontitis stage II grade B and Grade C were selected for the study. Patients aged 30–65 years were assigned into two groups (30 subjects – Smoking tobacco group, 30 subjects – Smokeless tobacco group). Saliva samples were collected for analyses of visfatin and blood samples were collected for serum lead level analysis. Quantitative variables were compared using mean values and qualitative variables using proportions. There was statistically significant difference with (p value =0.025) mean increase in Probing pocket depth scores and (p value =0.017) in mean increase in Clinical attachment loss scores among Smokeless form of tobacco users. Mean serum Lead level was significantly high among smoke form (0.0107 + 0.007). Mean salivary visfatin level was significantly high among smoke form group (2.588±1.64). A significant correlation was found between serum Lead and Visfatin among smokeless form of tobacco users. Mean serum lead and salivary visfatin levels were statistically highly significant among the smoke form of tobacco group.