Association between blood lead levels and markers of calcium homeostasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #biomarkers #calcitonin #calcium #female

Association between blood lead levels and markers of calcium homeostasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Upadhyay et al., 2022 | Sci Rep | Meta Analysis

Citation

Upadhyay Kuldip, Viramgami Ankit, ... Balachandar Rakesh. Association between blood lead levels and markers of calcium homeostasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2022-Feb-03;12(1):1850. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05976-4

Abstract

Chronic Pb exposure associated systemic illness are partly posited to involve calcium homeostasis. Present systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the association between chronic lead exposure and markers of calcium homeostasis. Observational studies documenting the changes in calcium homeostasis markers (i.e. serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D & calcitonin) between occupationally Pb exposed group and control group were systematically searched from pubmed-Medline, Scopus, and Embase digital databases since inception to September 24, 2021. The protocol was earlier registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020199503) and executed adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Mean differences of calcium homeostasis markers between the groups were analysed using random-effects model. Conventional I2 statistics was employed to assess heterogeneity, while the risk for various biases were assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Sub-group, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed where data permitted. Eleven studies including 837 Pb exposed and 739 controls were part of the present study. Pb exposed group exhibited higher mean blood lead level [i.e. 36.13 (with 95% CI 25.88-46.38) µg/dl] significantly lower serum calcium (i.e. - 0.72 mg/dl with 95% CI - 0.36 to - 1.07) and trend of higher parathyroid levels and lower vitamin D levels than controls. Heterogeneity was high (I2 > 90%) among the studies. Considering the cardinal role of calcium in multiple biological functions, present observations emphasis the need for periodic evaluation of calcium levels and its markers among those with known cumulative Pb exposure.

Key Findings

Considering the cardinal role of calcium in multiple biological functions, present observations emphasis the need for periodic evaluation of calcium levels and its markers among those with known cumulative Pb exposure.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcitonin
  • Calcium
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Lead
  • Lead Poisoning
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: calcium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09