Associated Autoimmunity and Lead Exposure in Childhood

Background: The autoimmunity associated with environmental pollutants such as heavy metals is a phenomenon that has been described previously. The aim of the present study investigated the relationship between autoimmunity and lead pollutants in a cohort of children who lived in a mining settlement. Methods: Children were studied clinically and serologically. The serum lead concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and antinuclear antibodies were analysed by immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot. Results: None of the studied children displayed any autoimmune disease. The lead concentration in the control group was negligible, at 0.10 ± 011 μg. L-1. In contrast, the study group had values of 12.72 ± 0.5 μg. L-1. The differences between the groups were significant (p < 0.0001). In addition, control sera were negative for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), while the sera of children living near the mining settlement showed ANA-positive titres (p < 0.001). These autoantibodies mainly recognized antigens associated with dividing cells, such as the mitotic apparatus and centrioles. Conclusion: The present results show how metallic pollutants induce environmentally associated autoimmunity and are reflected by antinuclear antibodies. This research should prompt us to take greater caution and implement permanent monitoring to ensure a healthy environment.