Possible effects of metals on learning disabilities in school-age children

Abstract

There are reports that children’s exposure to toxic metals is related to learning. The oxidative stress is considered the main mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of some metals poisoning. This study evaluated the levels of some toxic and essential metals in blood and hair in school-age children with learning disabilities. Also, we evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress and performed biochemical and hematological analyses. Presence of metals in drinking water were also analyzed. It was found high concentrations of blood lead (Pb) and aluminum (Al) in hair and drinking water of study group. Moreover it, was found selenium deficiency in blood and hair samples of the study group. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such MDA and reactivation index of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-RE), were increased in study group when compared with control group. Thus, the oxidative damage is involved in toxicity of metals. Furthermore, more studies are necessary to confirm the sources of contamination for metals.