Article Summary
Lead poisoning is one of the common health problems affecting mankind today (Bhagwat, Patil, & Sontakkem, 2008). The article “Some Effects of Lead Contamination on Liver and Gallbladder Bile” explores the toxic effects of lead on the human liver.
According to the article, lead “results in weight loss, poor liver functioning, and abdominal pain” (Bhagwat et al., 2008, p. 3). The authors wanted to examine how lead affects the hepatobiliary system. This system is mainly composed of the gallbladder and the liver.
Medicines containing lead affect the normal functioning of the liver. The toxin can also result in “peri-portal inflammation” (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 140). The “toxic compound also causes proliferation-effect on smooth muscle cells” (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 141). Increased levels of lead will eventually result in liver damage.
This situation occurs because there are free radicals associated with the toxin. Lead also “disturbs most of the biochemical processes associated with the hepatobiliary system” (Sipos et al., 2003, 141). This compound can eventually produce gallstones in the liver (Sipos et al., 2003).
Review of the Article
The article supports the toxicological effects of lead. According to many studies, lead is a toxic natural compound. The compound can be found in different food materials and water. The absence of a feedback mechanism explains why this toxin is less available.
However, continued intake of certain compounds such as “amino acids, vitamin D, ascorbic acid, fats, and sodium citrate increases chances of lead poisoning” (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 140).
The article goes further to highlight the effects of lead on the human liver. The compound also affects the intestinal system. It causes abdominal discomfort. The “toxic compound also stimulates intercellular signaling between hepatocytes and Kupffer cells” (Sipos et al., 2003, p. 141).
Lead will eventually result in liver damage. Lead also affects different biliary processes in the body. Many people have developed numerous health complications due to prolonged exposure to this compound.
That being the case, people should embrace the best practices in order to address the problems associated with lead poisoning. This practice will support the health needs of many people in the society.
Analysis and Discussion
The authors have used a proper approach to complete their study. They have highlighted the potential sources of lead. They have also analyzed the pathways associated with lead poisoning. They have also examined how this compound affects different systems in the body.
The compound is also deposited in the liver. It affects the normal functioning of the organ. Prolonged exposure to the toxin will also affect many body functions (Bhagwat et al., 2008). This discussion supports most of the concepts gained in class.
The authors have also explained how continued exposure to the compound can affect different biliary processes (Sipos et al., 2003). The body is also a complex system. Every organ or system supports a wide range of biological processes. Failure of different organs will “affect the normal functioning of the other systems” (Bhagwat et al., 2008, p. 5).
This knowledge encourages people to focus on the best health practices. Patients should get the best medical support after ingesting large quantities of lead.
New studies are also required in order to understand how this toxic compound affects other body systems. This knowledge will support the health needs of many populations.
Reference List
Bhagwat, V., Patil, A., & Sontakkem, A. (2008). Occupational Lead Exposure and Liver Functions in Battery Manufacture Workers around Kolhapur (Maharashtra). Al Ameen Journal of Medical Science, 1(1), 2-9.
Kacew, S., & Lee, B. (2013). Lu’s Basic Toxicology: Fundamentals, Target Organs, and Risk Assessment. New York, NY: Information Healthcare.
Sipos, P., Szentmihalyi, K., Feher, E., Abaza, M., Szilagyi, M.,…Blazovics, A. (2003). Acta Biologica Szegediensis, 47(1), 139-142.