Lead and other trace elements in osteoporosis

Although it is well known that bone is the major organ of Pb deposition, it has only recently been considered a target of Pb toxic action. To investigate the hypothesized relationship between Pb exposure and osteoporosis, we evaluated whether women with previous occupational Pb exposure are at higher risk of osteoporosis during the peri-menopausal period, and sought to elucidate the mechanisms by which Pb might influence bone metabolism. Bone mineral density and biochemical parameters of bone turnover were measured in occupational Pb exposed and control women. Preliminary results show a Pb mobilization in the post-menopausal period related to bone loss, an increased risk of osteoporosis, lower bone alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin levels in Pb exposed compared to control women.