Effects of lead exposure on the status of platelet indices in workers involved in a lead-acid battery manufacturing plant

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of Pb exposure on the status of platelet indices in workers exposed to Pb during lead-acid battery plant process. Platelet indices and blood lead levels (BLLs) were determined in 429 male workers. BLLs were determined by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Platelet indices in the samples were quantified by using the Sysmex KX-21 hematology analyzer. The levels of platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT) and mean platelet mass (MPM) were significantly decreased and platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) and mean platelet volume were increased with an increase in BLLs. The results of linear multiple regression analysis showed that the platelet count (β -0.143, P=0.005), PCT (β -0.115, P=0.023) and MPM (β -0.110, P=0.030) were negatively associated with BLLs and P-LCR (β 0.122, P=0.016) was positively associated with BLLs. The variable of body mass index showed a positive association with PCT (β 0.105, P=0.032) and MPM (β 0.101, P=0.039). The results of the study may indicate that lead exposure may impair coagulation function through endothelial tissue injury and reduction of nitric oxide.

Association between occupational lead exposure and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress related parameters in Jordanian automobile workers

“…Lead occupational exposure is common among automobile workers [15] especially in developing countries because of the lack of regulation for setting a reference blood level for workers. While in the USA, for example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regulation in 2015 designated 5 μg/dl of whole blood in a venous blood sample as the refer-behind Pb-induced oxidative stress have been reviewed by Ahamed and Siddiqui [4].…”

Glutathione, glutathione-related enzymes, and oxidative stress in individuals with subacute occupational exposure to lead

“…Inhalation and ingestion are the two main routes of exposure to lead, of which inhalation is the primary route of occupational exposure. After absorption, most of the lead ions bind to the erythrocytes and are distributed to the soft tissues and bones (Barman et al, 2014).…”

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis Triggered by Sub-Chronic Lead Exposure in Mice Spleen: a Histopathological Study

“…These cells have been described in mouse spleen as a reaction to inhaled vanadium [68]. Furthermore, both altered platelet counts and distribution were assessed in workers in a Pb-acid battery plant [69]. As a result, here we measured a progressive decreases of platelet number after Pb exposure, to assess cell impairment with significant decrease of platelet production as also demonstrated by the increase of cleaved caspase-3.…”