Low-level environmental lead exposure alters serum metabolic profiles in preschool children

Environmental lead (Pb) exposure has been recognized as a significant public health concern, with high levels of exposure leading to serious health damage. However, the effects of exposure to lower levels of Pb on health are poorly understood, especially in preschool children. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Pb exposure on serum metabolic profiles in preschool children and screen for potential biomarkers. Forty-two preschool children were included. The blood samples were collected to detect the serum metabolomics. The urine samples were also collected to quantify the urinary Pb and creatinine concentrations. Orthogonal projections of potential structure discrimination analyses were used to assess intergroup metabolite differences. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to screen for biomarkers. The results showed that environmental Pb exposure could cause serum metabolic disturbances in preschool children, mainly involving disturbances in lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Beta-doradecin, traumatic acid, 5(S)-HpETE and 1-Hexanethiol have been identified as potential biomarkers. In conclusion, exposure to low levels of environmental Pb can disrupt metabolic homeostasis in preschool children, primarily affecting normal neural development and energy metabolism. This study provides new insights into the possible health hazards associated with low-level environmental Pb exposure in preschool children.