Association between lead exposure and DNA damage (genotoxicity):
systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Introduction: Studies suggest that chronic lead (Pb) exposure
may induce Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. However, there is no
synthesised evidence in this regard. We systematically reviewed existing
literature and synthesised evidence on the association between chronic
Pb exposure and markers of genotoxicity. Methods: Observational
studies reporting biomarkers of DNA damage among occupationally
Pb-exposed and unexposed controls were systematically searched from
PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases from inception to January 2022. The
markers included were micronucleus frequency (MN), chromosomal
aberrations, comet assay, and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine. During the
execution review, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Mean
differences in the biological markers of DNA damage between Pb-exposed
and control groups were pooled using the random-effects model. The
heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran- Q test and I
2 statistic. Results: The review included
forty-five studies comparing markers of DNA damage between Pb-exposed
and unexposed. The primary studies utilised buccal and/or peripheral
leukocytes for evaluating the DNA damage. The pooled quantitative
results revealed a significantly higher DNA damage characterised by
increased levels of MN and SCE frequency, chromosomal aberrations, and
oxidative DNA damage (comet assay and 8-OHdG) among Pb-exposed than the
unexposed. However, studies included in the review exhibited high levels
of heterogeneity between the studies. Conclusion: Chronic Pb
exposure is associated with DNA damage. However, high-quality,
multicentered studies are required to strengthen present observations
and further understand the Pb’s role in inducing DNA damage.