Lead poisoning in opium-addicted subjects, its correlation with pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase activity and liver function tests

Abstract

Background:Lead may be added to the opium by drug smugglers. It can cause elevated blood lead level (BLL) in opium-addicted patients. Erythrocyte pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (P5N) activity is susceptible to high BLL. The aim of this study was to find out whether opium-addicted patients show erythropathy and elevated liver enzymes explainable by high BLL and decreased P5N activity.Methods:Forty orally opium-addicted subjects and 40 normal healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. BLL was measured in whole blood specimens using atomic absorption spectrometry instrumentation. Enzymatic activity, protein amount of P5N, and erythrocyte purine/pyrimidine ratio were determined. Blood films were analyzed for the presence of basophilic stippling of red cells and hemolytic anemia. The level of liver function enzymes was measured.Results:The mean BLL for opium-addicted patients was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001). On the contrary, P5N activity showed a valid decrease in opium-addicted patients when compared with control group (P < 0.001). In line with repressed P5N activity, erythrocyte purine/pyrimidine ratio in patients was lower than control group (P < 0.001). A statistically significant reverse correlation was found between BLL and P5N activity (P < 0.05, r = −0.85). The prevalence of both basophilic stippling (P < 0.001, z = 6.62) and hemolytic anemia (P < 0.001, z = 6.52) in study population was significantly associated with elevated BLL. We could not find any significant correlation between serum level of liver enzymes and BLL.Conclusions:Opium-addicted patients in Tehran, Iran, are at high risk of lead poisoning which may result in hematologic problems and possibly hepatic damage.

Synergistic protective effect of Beta vulgaris with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid against lead-induced neurotoxicity in male rats

“…The reduction in Hb may be related to inhibition of its biosynthesis through the inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase, δ-ALA dehydratase and ferrochelatase by Pb 40 . Additionally, Pb can bind with RBCs and inhibits pyruvate kinase "keeps cellular energy homeostasis" 42 and pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (essential for RBCs maturation) 43 . The inhibition of these enzymes destabilizes the RBCs membrane and decreases its fluidity leading to a shortage of the erythrocyte life span, hemolytic anemia, and ROS generation 42 , 43 .…”

“…Additionally, Pb can bind with RBCs and inhibits pyruvate kinase "keeps cellular energy homeostasis" 42 and pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (essential for RBCs maturation) 43 . The inhibition of these enzymes destabilizes the RBCs membrane and decreases its fluidity leading to a shortage of the erythrocyte life span, hemolytic anemia, and ROS generation 42 , 43 . High levels of ROS lead to oxidation of the cellular biomolecules, especially, the biomembrane lipids causing lipid peroxidation 44 .…”

Investigation of some Heavy Metals on Parameter of Blood and Oxidative Enzyme in CKD in Iraq-Al-Qadisiyah

“…Some heavy metals can harm erythrocytes directly or can stop the formation of hemoglobin, which affects red blood cells. Its production is known to be impaired by lead [18]. These studies demonstrated increased levels of total protein and total WBCs following exposure to heavy metals like Cd, As, Pb, and Cr, which directly affected WBCs and showed increasing significance.…”