Level of oxidative stress and damage in erythrocytes in apprentices indirectly exposed to lead.
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 (alpha-tocopherol, beta-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 alpha-tocopherol and beta-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.
Ergurhan-Ilhan
Inci
I
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Cadir
Bilge
B
Koyuncu-Arslan
Meltem
M
Arslan
Cagatay
C
Gultepe
F Mustafa
FM
Ozkan
Guleren
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001336:Automobiles; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*
D007854:Lead