Assessment of Lead, Cadmium, Copper and Zinc Content in Women’s Blood During II Trimester of Gestation

Abstract

The global environmental pollution by heavy metals and the imbalance of trace elements has some detrimental effect on pregnancy, fetal development, maternal and newborn’s health with further long-term consequences [1–4]. Heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, which are classified as global environmental pollutants, adversely affect the generative function even in low concentrations. Lead excess can cause miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, chronic fetal hypoxia, bleeding during pregnancy and labor and the occurrence of birth defects in infants [5,6]. The elevated lead level in pregnant woman’s blood leads to the higher content of this metal in the blood of a newborn child that can cause disorders of the psychological development and child’s mental abilities [6]. The experimental study has shown that the inhalation of cadmium can cause fewer offsprings and higher frequency of congenital malformations, namely embryotoxic and teratogenic effects and in adults – liver damage and alterations in the immune system [7]. The high levels of placental cadmium can result in the reduction of neonatal anthropometric data (weight, height, chest circumference) [8]. Copper as a trace element plays an important in the maturation of hematopoietic cells, in normal pregnancy and embryogenesis, fetal and post-natal growth. Lower plasma copper levels have been found in some conditions diagnosed during the first trimester including a spontaneous, threatened and missed abortion and a blighted ovum [9]. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, neutropenia, bone marrow dysplasia, chronic intrauterine hypoxia, fetal hypotrophy, coagulation abnormalities [9,10]. Serum and placental copper levels and placental lipid peroxides, a marker of oxidative stress, were increased in women with a severe preeclampsia [11]. Zinc deficiency during the pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, a threatened abortion, a premature birth syndrome, a low birth weight, birth defects, circulatory disorders, impairment of the immune response and disorders of the psychological development [12–14]. Thus, modern ecological situation creates preconditions for increasing the frequency of gestational complications and some negative impact on women and children’s health. In this regard, a scientific search for risk factors of a potential adverse effect on the gestation process for timely implementation of adequate preventive and corrective measures is an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels in women’s blood during II trimester of gestation and to assess the significance of their influence on the gestational process.