Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland.
Sławomir
S
Kasperczyk
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland.
Michał
M
Dobrakowski
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland kaslav@mp.pl.
Aleksandra
A
Kasperczyk
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland.
Ewa
E
Romuk
Department of Toxicology and Occupational Health Protection, Public Health Faculty, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Monika
M
Rykaczewska-Czerwińska
Department of Chemical Hazards and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health in Sosnowiec, Poland.
Natalia
N
Pawlas
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Zabrze, Poland.
Ewa
E
Birkner
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006242:Haptoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011044:Poland; D050050:Protein Carbonylation; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000975:Antioxidants; C485359:HP protein, human; D006242:Haptoglobins; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D014168:Transferrin; D006710:Homocysteine; C017803:zinc protoporphyrin; D007854:Lead; D007501:Iron; D000111:Acetylcysteine
Lead poisoning; N-acetylcysteine; homocysteine; iron; oxidative stress; protein carbonylation