An Overview about Lead Acetate possible neurological hazards and antioxidant roles of selenium

Abstract

Adults absorb from 5% to 15% of ingested lead and commonly retain less than 5% of the absorbed part. Children absorb about 42% of swallowed lead and retain about 32%of absorbed. Low dietary manganese, zinc, calcium, and iron enhance lead absorption mainly in children. Airborne lead is a minor source of exposure. Lead absorption by the lungs depends mainly on the particle size, form (vaporvs particle), and concentration. About 90% of lead particles in inhaled air are small enough to be retained. Absorption of retained lead through alveoli is effective. Lead can induce in humans a wide range of adverse effects reliant on the dose and duration of exposure. The toxic effects range from enzymes inhibition to the severe pathology induction or death. In children, the central nervous system is the target of lead toxicity, while in adults; chronic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy and hypertension are worries. Other targets include the immune, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and skeletal systems. It is possible to detect effects on heme biosynthesis by a sensitive biochemical indicator, even when no other effects are detectable. Clinically obvious encephalopathy may occur in children with high lead exposure. Symptoms of lead encephalopathy initiate with lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting and irritability. These manifestations progress to obvious ataxia and decreasing in consciousness level that may progress to coma and death. The pathological findings at autopsy are loss of neuronal cells and an increase in glial cells. Recovery is always accompanied by complications: mental retardation, epilepsy and, in some cases, optic neuropathy and blindness. Selenium is critical to the brain. Irreversible brain injury may occur due to its deficiency. Selenium's beneficial antioxidant capabilities have been demonstrated in numerous studies. Se interacts with seleno enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPxs) and seleno amino acids, which have a significant impact on sperm quality and male fertility. Gpx4 shields cell membranes from free radical damage and is primarily present in germ cells. The proper development of the mid piece during sperm maturation depends on the structural protein Gpx4.