Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the general population of southern Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Blood samples were collected from 113 subjects (56 males and 57 females) living in the district of Alfenas, in southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil, to establish reference values for delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D, EC 4.2.1.24). The state of health of the population was confirmed by hematological and biochemical parameters analyzed in blood and urine samples. ALA-D determination was performed according to the Berlin & Schaller spectrophotometric method. Distribution may be regarded as according to normal distribution and reference values obtained, in micromol x min(-1) x L(-1) erythrocytes, were: mean (+/- SD) = 54.5 (+/- 9.8); 95% confidence interval = 52.7-56.4; lower reference value (mean-2 SD) = 34.9. Mean ALA-D activity was higher than any other published elsewhere and the reference values established are useful as a baseline for evaluating ALA-D activity when monitoring persons exposed to lead. Age, gender, drinking, or smoking did not significantly alter (Student t-test, p < or = 0.05) the reference values for ALA-D.
de Siqueira
Maria Elisa Pereira Bastos
ME
Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 714. 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
Maia
Patricia Penido
PP
de Oliveira
Danielle Palma
DP
Luengo
Denise Moura Leite
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015415:Biomarkers; D001938:Brazil; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008906:Mining; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D012016:Reference Values; D012907:Smoking
D015415:Biomarkers; D007854:Lead; D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase