Lead toxicity and heme biosynthesis

Lead intoxication results in a disturbance of heme biosynthesis, its degree depending on the severity and duration of exposure to lead. A mild secondary, sideroblastic anemia is common; basophilic stippling may occur, especially in severe lead poisoning. Increased excretion in the urine of delta-aminolevulinic acid and coproporphyrin III may occur; porphobilinogen excretion is not usually increased. Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase, coproporphyrin oxidase, and ferrochelatase activities are reduced; delta-aminolevulinate synthetase activity is increased. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP and ZPP) is increased. Recent knowledge of the heme biosynthetic enzymes is reviewed and the significance of FEP and ZPP discussed. A brief history is given of the relationship of lead toxicity to the porphyrins.

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				M. A. Hossain, C. M. L. Bouton, J. Pevsner, and J. Laterra Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Astrocytes by Lead. INVOLVEMENT OF A PROTEIN KINASE C/ACTIVATOR PROTEIN-1 COMPLEX-DEPENDENT AND HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR 1-INDEPENDENT SIGNALING PATHWAY J. Biol. Chem., September 1, 2000; 275(36): 27874 - 27882. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]