The Effect of Whole Blood Lead (Pb-B) Levels on Changes in Peripheral Blood Morphology and Selected Biochemical Parameters, and the Severity of Depression in Peri-Menopausal Women at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome or with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the impact of whole blood lead (Pb-B) levels on changes in peripheral blood morphology and selected biochemical parameters, and the severity of depression in peri-menopausal women at risk of metabolic syndrome (pre-MetS) or with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study involved 233 women from the general population of the West Pomeranian Province (Poland) aged 44–65 years. The intensity of menopausal symptoms and the severity of depression was examined using the Blatt–Kupperman Index (KI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride levels (TG), cortisol, morphology of blood cells and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Pb-B was measured. Women with MetS had higher levels of glucose, HbA1C, HDL, LDL, TG, cortisol, insulin and higher HOMA-IR. No significant differences in Pb-B were observed between pre-MetS and the control group, and between pre-MetS and the MetS group. A significant correlation was noticed between Pb-B vs. the percentage of monocytes in blood, and blood cortisol levels in women with MetS; Pb-B vs. lymphocyte count and HbA1C in the pre-MetS group, as well as in the BDI scores between the MetS and pre-MetS group. We cannot clearly state that exposure to Pb is an environmental factor that can be considered as a risk factor for MetS in this studied group.

Cognitive Impairment Induced by Lead Exposure during Lifespan: Mechanisms of Lead Neurotoxicity

“…In addition to the cognitive alterations described, there are reports where Pb levels, present in the blood or bones, have been related to the development of pathologies such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia in adults [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 ]. However, most of these associations are only epidemiological, and more studies are necessary to understand the role of Pb in the pathophysiology of these disorders [ 107 ].…”

Blood Lead and High-Density Lipoprotein Concentrations in Relation to Human Blood Pressure: A Cross Sectional Study

“…However, some studies have found a relationship between blood lead and HDL. Women with MetS had higher HDL, and although blood lead in both groups was below the threshold range, blood lead in the experimental group (MetS group) was lower ( 31 ), the population had low blood lead and high HDL concentration. HDL concentrations were significantly higher in occupations with less lead exposure, suggesting that lead may block HDL production, but the initial dose is not clear, or the reduced effect of lead on HDL may be at higher doses ( 13 ).…”

Blood pressure and hypertension in relation to lead exposure updated according to present-day blood lead levels

“…We did not find any recently reported Polish occupational lead exposure study. In the studies conducted in Polish adults, the mean blood lead levels ranged from 1.16 to 7.25 μg/dl in the general population under environmental exposure [47][48][49][50]. Blood lead was significantly and positively associated with the severity of anxiety in healthy postmenopausal women [47] and the percentage of monocytes and cortisol levels in blood in women with metabolic syndrome [48].…”

“…In the studies conducted in Polish adults, the mean blood lead levels ranged from 1.16 to 7.25 μg/dl in the general population under environmental exposure [47][48][49][50]. Blood lead was significantly and positively associated with the severity of anxiety in healthy postmenopausal women [47] and the percentage of monocytes and cortisol levels in blood in women with metabolic syndrome [48]. However, given their observational nature, these studies cannot establish a causal relation with lead exposure.…”