Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal ubiquitously distributed around the world, especially in industrial areas. Occupational and environmental exposures to Pb have detrimental effects on human health. Pb affects functioning of many systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular system. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which makes critical contribution throughout life is deranged in various diseases. Excessive angiogenesis may result in different diseases including cancer. On the other spectrum, insufficient angiogenesis is observed in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These disorders are also associated with occupational Pb exposure. In this paper, epidemiological and experimental studies are reviewed selectively for evidence in support of this hypothesis, that is, interactions between Pb and angiogenesis. We discuss the evidence for the possible mechanism of Pb impact on concentrations of angiogenic factors. Studies suggested that Pb exposure affects the level of angiogenic factors associated with angiogenesis regulation and promotion. Further research is needed, especially in the mechanisms in which Pb-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) disregulation is present. We believe that characterizing the connection between Pb and angiogenesis will provide helpful information for the development of intervention strategies to reduce the adverse effects of Pb exposure.

摘要

铅 (Pb) 是一种有毒重金属，广泛分布于世界各地，尤其是在工业领域。铅的职业和环境暴露对人类健康有不利影响。铅影响人体许多系统的功能，包括心血管系统。血管生成，即新血管形成的过程，在整个生命中做出了重要贡献，但在各种疾病中都出现了紊乱。过度的血管生成可能导致不同的疾病，包括癌症。另一方面，在许多疾病中观察到血管生成不足，例如动脉粥样硬化、高血压和心血管疾病。这些疾病也与职业铅暴露有关。在本文中，有选择地回顾了流行病学和实验研究，以寻找支持这一假设的证据，即，铅与血管生成的相互作用。我们讨论了铅影响血管生成因子浓度的可能机制的证据。研究表明，铅暴露会影响与血管生成调节和促进相关的血管生成因子水平。需要进一步研究，尤其是在铅诱导的血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) 失调的机制方面。我们相信，表征铅与血管生成之间的联系将为制定干预策略以减少铅暴露的不利影响提供有用的信息。研究表明，铅暴露会影响与血管生成调节和促进相关的血管生成因子水平。需要进一步研究，尤其是在铅诱导的血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) 失调的机制方面。我们相信，表征铅与血管生成之间的联系将为制定干预策略以减少铅暴露的不利影响提供有用的信息。研究表明，铅暴露会影响与血管生成调节和促进相关的血管生成因子水平。需要进一步研究，尤其是在铅诱导的血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) 失调的机制方面。我们相信，表征铅与血管生成之间的联系将为制定干预策略以减少铅暴露的不利影响提供有用的信息。