EFFECTS OF LEAD ON HUMAN HEALTH: TOXICOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, CLINICAL CONSEQUENCES, AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/Keywords:
lead, heavy metals, saturnism, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity , enzyme inhibition, ion mimicry, blood lead (BLL), chelation therapy, environmental medicine.Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms of lead (Pb) exposure to humans, assesses the clinical consequences of saturnism, and systematizes modern methods of preventive medicine. Based on the analysis of 10 relevant peer-reviewed sources for the period 2018–2026, the molecular mechanisms of lead toxicity are described in detail, including the induction of oxidative stress, blockade of heme synthesis enzymes (ALAD and ferrochelatase ), and the phenomenon of ion mimicry with calcium (Ca 2+ ) displacement. Particular attention is paid to irreversible neurotoxicity in children and the risk of endothelial dysfunction and arterial hypertension in adults. The absence of a safe threshold for lead concentration in the blood is proven. Recommendations for environmental monitoring, antioxidant support, and the use of selective chelation therapy (DMSA, CaNa 2 EDTA) in severe forms of intoxication are formulated.
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