Gender-Specific Effects on the Cardiorespiratory System and Neurotoxicity of Intermittent and Permanent Low-Level Lead Exposures
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Published:2024-03-22
Issue:4
Volume:12
Page:711
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ISSN:2227-9059
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Container-title:Biomedicines
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Biomedicines
Author:
Shvachiy Liana123, Amaro-Leal Ângela34ORCID, Machado Filipa2, Rocha Isabel23, Outeiro Tiago F.1567ORCID, Geraldes Vera23
Affiliation:
1. Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany 2. Cardiovascular Centre of the University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal 3. Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal 4. Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal 5. Max Planck Institute for Natural Science, 37075 Göttingen, Germany 6. Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK 7. Scientific Employee with an Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37073 Göttingen, Germany
Abstract
Lead exposure is a significant health concern, ranking among the top 10 most harmful substances for humans. There are no safe levels of lead exposure, and it affects multiple body systems, especially the cardiovascular and neurological systems, leading to problems such as hypertension, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and developmental delays, particularly in children. Gender differences are a crucial factor, with women’s reproductive systems being especially vulnerable, resulting in fertility issues, pregnancy complications, miscarriages, and premature births. The globalization of lead exposure presents new challenges in managing this issue. Therefore, understanding the gender-specific implications is essential for developing effective treatments and public health strategies to mitigate the impact of lead-related health problems. This study examined the effects of intermittent and permanent lead exposure on both male and female animals, assessing behaviours like anxiety, locomotor activity, and long-term memory, as well as molecular changes related to astrogliosis. Additionally, physiological and autonomic evaluations were performed, focusing on baro- and chemoreceptor reflexes. The study’s findings revealed that permanent lead exposure has more severe health consequences, including hypertension, anxiety, and reactive astrogliosis, affecting both genders. However, males exhibit greater cognitive, behavioural, and respiratory changes, while females are more susceptible to chemoreflex hypersensitivity. In contrast, intermittent lead exposure leads to hypertension and reactive astrogliosis in both genders. Still, females are more vulnerable to cognitive impairment, increased respiratory frequency, and chemoreflex hypersensitivity, while males show more reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus. Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of not only investigating different types of lead exposure but also considering gender differences in toxicity when addressing this public health concern.
Funder
Foundation for Science and Technology Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Reference94 articles.
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