title: Serum neuron-specific enolase, biogenic amino-acids and neurobehavioral function in lead-exposed workers from lead-acid battery manufacturing process.
abstract: The interaction between serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), biogenic amino-acids and neurobehavioral function with blood lead levels in workers exposed to lead form lead-acid battery manufacturing process was not studied.
  
  
  
  To evaluate serum NSE and biogenic amino-acids (dopamine and serotonin) levels, and neurobehavioral performance among workers exposed to lead from lead-acid storage battery plant, and its relation with blood lead levels (BLLs).
  
  
  
  In a cross-sectional study, we performed biochemical and neurobehavioral function tests on 146 workers exposed to lead from lead-acid battery manufacturing process. BLLs were assessed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum NSE, dopamine and serotonin were measured by ELISA. Neurobehavioral functions were assessed by CDC-recommended tests---simple reaction time (SRT), symbol digit substitution test (SDST), and serial digit learning test (SDLT).
  
  
  
  There was a significant correlation (r 0.199, p<0.05) between SDST and BLL. SDLT and SRT had also a significant positive correlation (r 0.238, p<0.01). NSE had a negative correlation (r -0.194, p<0.05) with serotonin level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both SRT and SDST had positive significant associations with BLL. SRT also had a positive significant association with age.
  
  
  
  Serum NSE cannot be used as a marker for BLL. The only domain of neurobehavioral function tests that is affected by increased BLL in workers of lead-acid battery manufacturing process is that of the "attention and perception" (SDST).
authors.affiliation: Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Nirmal Bhavan, ICMR Complex, Kannamangala (Post), Devanahalli, Bangalore-562110, Karnataka, India. kalahasthi20012002@yahoo.co.in.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ravibabu
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barman
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Rajmohan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood*; D001288:Attention; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004298:Dopamine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*; D007858:Learning; D066192:Manufacturing Industry; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010465:Perception; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000097:blood*; D011930:Reaction Time; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D015415:Biomarkers; D007854:Lead; D012701:Serotonin; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; D004298:Dopamine