Abstract

MARTINEZ, Samanta Andrea; CANCELA, Liliana Marina  and  VIRGOLINI, Miriam Beatriz. Oxidative stress as a mechanism of action of lead: Therapeutic implications. Acta toxicol. argent. [online]. 2011, vol.19, n.2, pp.61-79. ISSN 1851-3743.

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic non-essential metal that affects different organs and tissues. Although at the present a unique mechanism by which this metal exerts its toxic effects has not been described, a large number of studies have highlighted the fundamental role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of Pb poisoning. In this regard, it has been reported that Pb-induced oxidative stress can occur at different levels: by the generation of ä-aminolevulinic acid (ä-ALA), through its ability to induce lipid peroxidation in the presence of ferrous ion (Fe2+), or via glutathione (GSH) or antioxidant enzyme depletion. On the basis of these antecedents, the aim of this review is to present recent evidence regarding the implication of oxidative stress in the adverse effects caused by Pb, to emphasize the possibility to use oxidative stress biomarkers as a complementary method for early detection of Pb exposure, and to reveal the importance of antioxidant compounds as novel tools in the prevention and treatment of Pb exposure.

Keywords : Lead poisoning; Oxidative stress; Biomarkers; Antioxidants.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )