Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Testing Epithelial Permeability in Fetal Tissue-Derived Enteroids
Published on: June 16, 2022
Increased intestinal permeability with elevated peripheral blood endotoxin and inflammatory indices for e-waste lead
Xiuli Luo1, Xia Huo2, Yuling Zhang1
1Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
Insights
Environmental lead exposure in children is linked to poor gut health and increased intestinal permeability. This study found higher blood lead levels correlated with inflammatory markers and reduced physical growth in exposed children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead (Pb) exposure can impair intestinal barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental toxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of environmental lead exposure on intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers in children.
- To assess the relationship between blood lead levels and indicators of gut health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 187 children aged 3-6 years, comparing an electronic-waste-exposed group with a referent group.
- Measurements included blood lead levels, plasma endotoxin, peripheral blood inflammatory cell counts, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4).
- Questionnaires collected demographic, medical history, and family situation data.
Main Results:
- Exposed children exhibited lower weight, height, BMI, and higher incidence of diarrhea.
- Elevated blood lead and plasma endotoxin levels were observed in the exposed group, with a positive correlation between them.
- Increased peripheral monocyte counts and LTB4 levels were found in exposed children, correlating positively with endotoxin levels.
Conclusions:
- Environmental lead exposure in children is associated with reduced physical growth and compromised gut health.
- Increased intestinal permeability, indicated by elevated endotoxin levels, is linked to higher blood lead concentrations and inflammatory responses.
- These findings highlight the detrimental effects of environmental lead on children's intestinal health.
Abstract:
Lead (Pb) entering the body through different channels can damage the function of intestinal mucosal barrier and cause the body stressful inflammatory response to enhance. This study conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the effects of Pb exposure on intestinal permeability in children by measuring the level of bacterial endotoxin and index of inflammatory cell types in peripheral blood. From November to December 2018, we recruited 187 participants aged 3-6 years by stratified randomization, from an electronic-waste-exposed group (n = 82) and a referent group (n = 105). General demographic information, past history of the digestive system in child, and family situation were informed by children's guardians with questionnaires. Children in the exposed group showed lower weight, height, and body mass index while more diarrhea in a month. Blood Pb and plasma endotoxin were elevated in exposed children than referent children and the positive relationship between them was shown in all children [B (95% CI): 0.072 (0.008, 0.137), P = 0.033]. Peripheral monocyte counts and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels were significantly increased in the exposed group. Endotoxin levels were positively correlated with neutrophils, monocytes, and LTB4 [B (95% CI): 0.054 (0.015, 0.093), 0.018 (0.005, 0.031), and 0.049 (0.011, 0.087), respectively, P < 0.05]. To sum up, the exposed children showed lower physical growth levels, poorer gut health, and increased intestinal permeability, which was related to high blood Pb and peripheral inflammatory indices. These results suggest the possible adverse impact of environmental Pb exposure on the intestinal health of children.
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