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Review
. 2023 Mar 11;12(2):178-188.
doi: 10.1093/toxres/tfad014. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Potential diagnostic biomarkers for lead-induced hepatotoxicity and the role of synthetic chelators and bioactive compounds

Netranandini Lakka  1 , Bhagyashree Pai  1 , Monica Shirley Mani  2 , Herman Sunil Dsouza  2
Affiliations
Review

Potential diagnostic biomarkers for lead-induced hepatotoxicity and the role of synthetic chelators and bioactive compounds

Netranandini Lakka et al. Toxicol Res (Camb). .

Abstract

Lead (Pb2+) poisoning is a public health concern of global dimensions. Although several public health guidelines and workplace safety policies are existing and enforced, lead toxicity cases are drastically increasing. Lead exposure leads to numerous harmful consequences and causes adverse effects on different body organs and systems, mainly via the generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to augmented oxidative stress, competing with metal ions, and binding with the sulfhydryl groups. In several instances, lead poisoning cases remain undiagnosed and untreated or receive only symptomatic treatment. Estimation of blood lead levels reflects only a recent exposure, however, which does not reveal the total body burden. This review summarizes the effects of lead with special reference to hepatotoxicity and some of the potential diagnostic biomarkers. Furthermore, it also focuses on synthetic chelators used in the treatment of lead poisoning and the advantage of using bioactive compounds with an emphasis on the ameliorative effect of garlic.

Keywords: allicin; antioxidants; bioactive compounds; biomarkers; chelation; lead toxicity.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Major sources and pathways of human lead exposure.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Absorption, distribution, and excretion of lead.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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