Lead exposure associated with vitamin D metabolic imbalance mediated by chronic inflammation in children

Abstract

Lead (Pb) exposure and vitamin D deficiency have been independently linked to adverse health outcomes, but the relationship between Pb toxicity and vitamin D remains unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study evaluated this relationship in childr,en and explored the potential mediating role of immune inflammation. 653 children were enrolled in this study. The multivariable-adjusted linear regression model was employed to evaluate the does-effect associations among Pb exposure on inflammatory biomarkers and serum vitamin D levels. Concomitantly, mediating effect models were applied to identify the potential role of inflammation in the relationships between Pb exposure and vitamin D malabsorption. Our findings revealed lower vitamin D levels and elevated inflammatory markers in children with Pb exposure. We observed a dose-dependent relationship between serum Pb levels and vitamin D status, mediated by inflammatory responses. Specifically, SII demonstrated a complete mediating effect on the association between serum Pb and vitamin D3 levels (effect value: −0.280; 95% CI: −0.774, −0.021). These findings suggest that Pb-induced chronic inflammation may contribute to vitamin D malabsorption in children, which subsequently facilitates the occurrence of immune diseases. This therefore highlights the need for interventions to reduce Pb exposure and protect children from immunological diseases and detrimental health outcomes.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Serum Pb levels / Vitamin D / Innate immune cells / Inflammation / Children

Highlight

	● First study on relationships among Pb exposure, inflammatory state, and vitamin levels.
	● High Pb exposure was associated with lower vitamin D levels.
	● Chronic exposure to Pb may disturb the absorption vitamin D through altering inflammatory state.

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