Long-term effects of environmental lead (Pb) exposure in bone could play an unknown role threatening some populations of wildlife. Certain physiologic disorders attributed to Pb exposure are related to the generation of oxidative stress, which may be involved on the depletion of antioxidant vitamins. The aim of this work was to study the occurrence of abnormalities on bone tissue composition and turnover mechanisms through the Pb-mediated disruption of vitamins (A, E and D) homeostasis in wild ungulates living in a Pb-polluted mining area. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from the mining area had significantly higher liver and bone Pb levels than in the control area, which were associated with the depletion of liver retinyl esters and the corresponding increase of free retinol levels both in deer and boar from the mining area. The most characteristic trait in bone mineralization of Pb-exposed adult deer was a lower carbonate content in bone mineral that was associated with the increased free retinol percentage, which in turn had consequences on bone biomechanics. Although Pb effects on wild boar have been less significant, the degree of bone mineralization was also positively associated with higher burdens of retinyl esters. In conclusion, we suggest that changes in antioxidant vitamins found in deer may be involved in the toxic effects of Pb on bone composition.

Resumen del trabajo presentado al 6th SETAC World Congress and SETAC Europe 22nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, celebrados en Berlin (Alemania) del 20 al 24 de mayo de 2012.

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