Historical QOD 3/30/09: Describe the mechanim of lead-induced anemia.
Lead interferes with a variety of heme biosynthetic enzymes, including delta-aminolevulinc acid (acting to synthesize porphobilinogen), and ferrochelatase (used to incorporate iron into protoporphyrin). In the latter case, zinc is inserted in the place of iron, leading to an elevation of zinc protoporphyrin.
Fonte R. Agosti A. Scafa F. Candura SM. Anaemia and abdominal pain due to occupational lead poisoning. Haematologica. 92(2):e13-4, 2007 Feb.
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