Lead hepatotoxicity: Selected aspects of pathobiochemistry

Abstract

Lead (Pb) that belongs to heavy metals is one of the major pollution components of the environment. Occupational and environmental exposure to lead can cause its absorption by the body and consequently exert toxic effects in the liver. In this paper biochemical determinants of hepatotoxicity caused by lead are presented. Generation of reactive oxygen species, disturbances in the cellular antioxidant system, lipid peroxidation, inhibition of enzymatic proteins and intercellular signaling are also discussed.