Title:Early-Life Lead Exposure: Risks and Neurotoxic Consequences
Volume: 31
Issue: 13
关键词:
铅，低剂量接触，神经毒性，神经发育，神经行为，神经退化，表观遗传改变。
摘要:
Background: Lead (Pb) does not have any biological function in a human,
and it is likely no safe level of Pb in the human body. The Pb exposure impacts are a
global concern for their potential neurotoxic consequences. Despite decreasing both the
environmental Pb levels and the average blood Pb levels in the survey populations, the
lifetime redistribution from the tissues-stored Pb still poses neurotoxic risks from the
low-level exposure in later life. The growing fetus and children hold their innate high-susceptible
to these Pb-induced neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects.
Objective: This article aims to evaluate cumulative studies and insights on the topic of Pb
neurotoxicology while assessing the emerging trends in the field.
Results: The Pb-induced neurochemical and neuro-immunological mechanisms are likely
responsible for the high-level Pb exposure with the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral
impacts at the initial stages. Early-life Pb exposure can still produce neurodegenerative
consequences in later life due to the altered epigenetic imprints and the ongoing
endogenous Pb exposure. Several mechanisms contribute to the Pb-induced neurotoxic
impacts, including the direct neurochemical effects, the induction of oxidative stress and
inflammation through immunologic activations, and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore,
the individual nutritional status, such as macro-, micro-, or antioxidant nutrients, can significantly
influence the neurotoxic impacts even at low-level exposure to Pb.
Conclusion: The prevention of early-life Pb exposure is, therefore, the critical determinant
for alleviating various Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts across the different age
groups.
