Found naturally in soil. More often found in fossil fuels, gasoline/exhaust, manufacturing, lead-acid batteries, ammunitions, metal solder and pipes, X-ray shields, paint, glass, pigments, and sheet lead.

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block.

Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway.

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block.

Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway.

Lead is a potentially toxic element found in paints, batteries, electronics, and ceramics as well as in air, soil, and water. A urine test is a noninvasive test that can detect high levels of lead and prevent potential health issues.

The "Lead, Blood" marker on the "Heavy Metals Profile I, Blood" panel from LabCorp is a critical test for detecting and monitoring lead exposure in the body. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, can have severe health implications, particularly when exposure occurs over extended periods. This marker measures the concentration of lead in the blood, which is the most reliable indicator of recent or ongoing lead exposure. Elevated blood lead levels can have detrimental effects on various bodily systems, especially in children, where even low levels of exposure can lead to significant developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.

Lead is a potentially toxic element found in paints, batteries, electronics, and ceramics as well as in air, soil, and water. A urine test is a noninvasive test that can detect high levels of lead and prevent potential health issues.

The Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, often visualized in a Coronary Calcium Scan, is a crucial blood vessel in the heart's circulatory system, renowned for its role in supplying blood to a large portion of the heart muscle. In the context of a Coronary Calcium Scan, which utilizes computed tomography (CT) technology to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, the LAD artery is scrutinized for signs of calcification. Calcification in the LAD is of particular clinical importance due to the artery's extensive coverage and significant role in myocardial perfusion. Calcium deposits in the LAD are indicative of atherosclerotic plaque buildup, a hallmark of coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Left Circumflex (LCX) artery is an essential component of the heart's arterial system, and its assessment in a Coronary Calcium Scan provides significant insights into cardiovascular health. The LCX branches off from the left coronary artery and encircles the heart muscle, primarily supplying blood to the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle. In the context of a Coronary Calcium Scan, which employs computed tomography (CT) to detect calcifications in the coronary arteries, the LCX is meticulously examined for signs of atherosclerotic plaque.

In a Coronary Calcium Scan, the Left Main (LM) coronary artery represents a critical focus of assessment due to its primary role in the heart's blood supply. The LM artery is a short but crucial vessel that branches from the aorta and bifurcates into the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) and the Left Circumflex (LCX) arteries, supplying a significant portion of the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. During the scan, which employs computed tomography (CT) technology, the LM is evaluated for the presence of calcification – a key indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). Calcifications in the LM are particularly concerning because of the artery's strategic location and the extensive area of myocardium it supplies.

What is Leptin?

Leptin is a hormone – a chemical messenger that helps different body parts work together. Leptin is anorexigenic (= causing loss of appetite), and levels are markedly decreased in women with low body weight and high in obesity. Leptin secretion follows a circadian pattern, meaning that the concentration in blood will vary throughout a 24-hour time period (higher at night than during the day).

What does Leptin do?

Leptin is an appetite suppressant. When everything works the right way, it helps you maintain a healthy weight by balancing the amount of food you eat with how much fat you have. Leptin sends a signal to your brain that helps you feel full and less interested in food. You may hear it called a satiety hormone. (Satiety means hunger feels satisfied.) It also plays a role in how your body turns fat into energy. 

In a normal feedback response, a low level of leptin triggers hunger and an increase in food consumption. As the level of leptin rises from an increase in fat cells, hunger diminishes and food consumption drops off.

→ When a person eats enough food, leptin is released into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain, signalling that they are full and that they can burn calories at a normal rate.

Leptin is produced primarily by fat cells (adipocytes) and to a lesser degree by other tissues, including the placenta in pregnant women. 

The ratio of leptin to adiponectin appears to be a sensitive indicator for a variety of adverse health conditions.

Leptin is a hormone produced by adipocytes to provide a satiety signal to the hypothalamus. Elevated circulating levels of leptin are associated with adipose tissue abundance and a leptin resistance. High levels of this adipokine have pro-inflammatory effects, and leptin accelerates arterial foam cell formation.

Adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose uptake and hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Very low levels of this anti-inflammatory adipokine may increase the risk for CVD and some cancers.