Molecular basis of lead toxicity

Lead represents a metal widespread in the environment, mainly due to its broad application in several branches of industry. It represents an extremely toxic an extremely toxic agent for living organisms, affecting several systems and organs, including central nervous system, hemopoetic system, circulatory and immune systems, liver and kidneys. The studies conducted in the last years enabled o evaluate numerous metabolic pathways responsible for lead toxicity. In the present study the actual data on the basic molecular pathology of lead compounds toxicity were presented: generation of oxidative stress and lesions in genetic material, modifications of neurotransmitters pathways in brain, abnormalities in immune system functioning and changes in metabolism of red cells. Summing up the above we should note that differentiation of molecular mechanisms in lead toxicity, resulting in multiple biological effects of the exposure, causes that the exposure continues to pose a significant challenge for environmental medicine and occupational medicine.