Level of oxidative stress and damage in erythrocytes in apprentices indirectly exposed to lead

• Published in: Pediatrics international 2008-02, Vol.50 (1), p.45-50
• Main Authors: Ergurhan-Ilhan, Inci, Cadir, Bilge, Koyuncu-Arslan, Meltem, Arslan, Cagatay, Gultepe, F. Mustafa, Ozkan, Guleren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Apprenticeship; Automobiles; Erythrocytes; Erythrocytes - drug effects; Human exposure; Humans; Lead - toxicity; Lead poisoning; lipid peroxidation; Lipid Peroxidation - physiology; Male; Men; Occupational Exposure; Oxidation; oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - physiology; workers
• ISSN: 1328-8067; 1442-200X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2007.02442.x

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) may result in damage to critical macromolecules, and an association between lead (Pb) toxicity and OS is a matter of research. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Pb on the oxidative system in indirectly Pb‐exposed male apprentices. Methods: Established parameters of Pb toxicity (aminolevulinic acid dehydratase index [ALAD index], zinc‐protoporphyrin [ZPP]) as well as Pb‐level in blood were determined in Pb‐exposed apprentices (n > 25) and controls (n > 24). Enzymatic (glutathione peroxides [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) and non‐enzymatic (α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene) indices of OS, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also determined. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in Pb level, ALAD index, ZPP concentration, GPx activity and MDA concentration in Pb‐exposed apprentices when compared to controls. Although a statistically significant decrease in α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene levels was seen, SOD and CAT activities were unaltered in Pb‐exposed apprentices. Pb level and duration of Pb exposure were correlated with each other, as well as various indices of OS and MDA concentration. Conclusions: Chronic indirect Pb exposure results in lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes of apprentices via OS, and duration of Pb exposure is a reliable marker of Pb toxicity.