Essential Trace Metals as Countermeasure for Lead Toxicity

Lead (Pb) is the most common toxic heavy metal that is physiologically non-essential and imposes health complications in animals and humans. Chelation therapy is considered as the definite therapy for acute lead toxicity; clinical uses of chelating agents are not recommended in long-term lead toxicity and in children. Research reveals that essential trace metals can counteract empirical Pb toxicity. This article collates the prototypical evidence of the preventive action of essential trace metals towards Pb toxicity in animals. Zinc, selenium, and their combinations are effective here. The key mechanisms of homeostasis of essential metals and cytoprotection are: modulation of signal transduction pathways of apoptosis, inflammation and immune functions (for selenium), attenuation of oxidative stress by augmenting non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative systems and interference in lead accumulation in the body. By means of these mechanisms, these essential trace metals may counteract long-term lead toxicity for susceptible subjects. These mineral nutritional supplementation can easily be employed with no or less adverse effects compared to the typical chelation treatment.