The Relation between Lead and Cadmuim Pollution, Preterm Delievery and Disturbance of Essential Elements and Antioxidants Levels in Humans

Abstract

Pollution with lead and cadmium represents significant environmental hazards in pregnant women and their ofspring. The aim of this study is to assess both lead and cadmium in whole blood of pregnant women presented with preterm labor. The values of selenium, copper, iron and zinc as well as vitamin C and E as antioxidants were recorded in sera of 34 pregnant women in an urban area, 29 pregnant women in a rural area and 28 pregnant women in an industrial area suffering from preterm delivery in comparison with normal pregnancy. The results showed that the levels of lead and cadmium in whole blood were significantly increased in cases living in these three areas compared to their levels in normal pregnant women. However, there was an inverse correlation between lead values and gestational age, while an insignificant correlation was demonstrated with serum cadmium. Selenium and copper in serum were insignificantly decreased in the urban, rural and industrial areas. The values of serum iron and zinc were significantly decreased in the three areas. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between serum zinc values and gestational age. Vitamins C and E values were significantly decreased only in preterm cases in the industrial area, while in the urban and rural areas, an insignificant variation was obtained, compared to normal values. However, an insignificant correlation was found between the gestational week at which preterm delivery occurs and the value of vitamin C in serum, whereas a significant positive correlation was obtained with serum vitamin E value. In addition, serum, serum total protein, albumin as well as the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and cholinesterase showed insignificant differences in the three areas. Similarly, serum creatinine and blood urea recorded insignificant changes in all groups with preterm delivery. Therefore, supplementation with diets nutritionally sufficient in protein and essential elements as well as antioxidant vitamins vitamins are recommended to prevent the accumulation of lead and cadmium and to reduce the adverse effects of these toxic metals during pregnancy.