Pb to replace bioelements that serve as important co-factors of these
enzymes (Flora et al., 2012).
In a study on lead-exposed populations employed in Zn and Pb
production facilities, erythrocyte and leukocyte malondialdehyde
(MDA) levels positively correlated with Pb blood levels (Kasperczyk
et al., 2014). In a non-occupational study conducted on randomly
selected children, with no reported accidental exposure to Pb, a
strong correlation between Pb blood levels and biochemical indices
of oxidative stress was observed (Ahamed et al., 2005). Higher blood
Pb levels in children were accompanied by higher MDA levels and
lower GSH contents as well as by higher CAT activity in erythrocytes
due to increased levels of H2O2 induced by Pb presence in blood.
Experimental studies on rats that were given 0.2% Pb-acetate
(2000 ppm lead) in drinking water for 9 weeks also indicated significantly
elevated CAT activity in blood, erythrocytes and
lymphocytes. This subchronic exposure also caused elevated blood
MDA levels and decreased GSH levels in blood of treated animals
(Tandon et al., 2002).