Possible role of lead in liver cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

In this study, fifteen cirrhotics, thirteen cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy and ten normal control persons were subjected to clinical examinations, abdominal sonography, blood biochemistry examination and blood lead determination. Both cirrhotics and cirrhotics with encephalopathy showed symptoms. Physical signs and blood biochemistry changes pertinent with liver cirrhotics, Blood lead concentrations were significantly [p<0.05] higher in cirrhotics and cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy than in control persons. We suggest that altered permeability of the blood brain barrier may allow passage of lead into brain tissues contributing to the observed symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver disease may alter toxicokinetics of lead leading to impaired elimination. Elevated blood lead concentrations would favour the progress of infective liver disease through its immunosupressive effect