Adverse effects of environmental lead exposure on hepatic, renal and thyroid function of buffaloes

Lead emitting industries pose a risk of contamination of surface and ground water, soil and fodder by dissemination of the particles carrying lead by wind action and by runoff from the tailings which cause numerous biochemical, immunological and reproductive disturbances in animals. Samples (n-20) of tube-well water, surface soil and fodder were collected from an uncontaminated area with water lead level within the permissible limit (0.05 mu g/ml) which served as control, and from the lead contaminated area (n=25) of Ludhiana (Punjab) with water lead level above the permissible limit. Blood level of lead (>0.24 mu g/ml) was used to decide the exposure group. The biochemical profile of the buffaloes exposed to lead showed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyridemia and hyperglycemia as compared to control group. The activity of serum enzymes viz alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase showed significant (p<0.05) elevation in lead exposed buffaloes. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in levels of plasma urea and creatinine, however, tri-iodothyrinine and thyroxine concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) declined in lead exposed buffaloes as compared to control animals Blood lead levels were significantly correlated with alterations in different biochemical indices in lead exposed buffaloes indicating the adverse effect on hepatic, renal and thyroid function.