title: Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the general population of southern Minas Gerais, Brazil.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 714. 37130-000 Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Elisa Pereira Bastos
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: de Siqueira
authors.forename: Patricia Penido
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Danielle Palma
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Denise Moura Leite
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Luengo
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007854:Lead; D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase