Lead (Pb) is a persistent environmental contaminant that is mainly stored in bones being an important source of endogenous lead exposure during periods of increased bone resorption as occurs in menopause.
Blood samples of 18 individuals were analyzed for trace elements (Fe, Zn, Se, Cu, Hg, Pb, Cd) and persistent organic contaminants and metabolites (ΣPCBs, ΣHO-PCBs, ΣPBDEs, 2-MeO-BDE68 and 6-MeO-BDE47, ΣDDXs, hexachlorobenzene, oxychlordane, trans-nonachlor, pentachlorophenol and tribromoanisole).
BACKGROUND: The causes of persistent bacteremia (PB) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are poorly understood.
This makes bone both a target tissue for Pb toxicity and a persistent endogenous source of Pb [ 20- 24].
Pb and Cd are toxic, persistent, and non-biodegradable in the environment, and hence, they can be easy bioaccumulated and biomagnified along terrestrial food chains [5].
Persistent effects of Pb exposure early in life can produce changes that arise from physiological re-programming [ 23].
CNL is a very rare CMPD defined by persistent leukocytosis in pB ≥25 × 10/l, segmented neutrophils and bands >80% of WBC, immature WBC <10%, and myeloblasts <1% [ 8].
Many of these persistent compounds, including Pb, Hg, heptachlor epoxide, oxy-chlordane, β-HCCH, p, p′-DDE, trans-nonachlor, and PCBs 99, 105, 118, 138, 146, 153, 156, 170, 180, and 187, are known or suspected to adversely affect neurodevelopment, and fetuses, infants, and young children are among the most susceptible (Needham et al. 2005b).
Although the use of leaded petrol and lead paint and burning of bituminous coal have been phased out in Ireland, Pb from these sources is persistent in soils and continuing sources remain in surfaces painted with lead paint, building materials and waste disposal.
In our study, we found that TBI decreased WBC counts in PB and CFU-GM and induced persistent oxidative stress, intracellular phospho-p38 expression and senescence in HSCs.
