Evaluation of nephrotoxic effect of lead exposure among automobile repairers in Nnewi Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Lead toxicity is one of the most common occupational hazards that affect several organs of the body, kidney inclusive. Auto repairers are exposed to lead in petrol, radiator, leaded battery, lead soldering wire, and spray paints, thus this study was designed to evaluate lead-induced nephrotoxic effect among automobile repairers. Methods: A total of 80 male subjects within the age range of 20 and 65 years were recruited for this study. 50 subjects were occupationally exposed automobile repairers, of which 15 were electricians, 21 mechanics and 14 panel beaters/spray painters, whereas 30 were non-exposed students and staff from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus. Blood sample was collected from these individuals and their blood lead levels were determined alongside creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Results: The results showed that the mean levels of blood lead is significantly higher in automobile repairers than in control group (P <0.05). The comparison of blood lead level among different categories of automobile repairers (electricians, mechanics, and panel beaters/spray painters) showed no significant difference (P >0.05). The evaluation of the renal function markers show that, there were significant increases in the mean serum concentration of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the study group compare to the control subjects (P <0.05). However, there was no significance difference in the mean levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in study group when compared to the control group (P >0.05). Conclusion: Findings from this study show that blood lead level is high among automobile repairers above CDC recommended level for adults. This high blood lead level among automobile repairers may be responsible for raised levels of renal markers which may eventually lead to their renal damage.

Chemical exposure in garage workers and related health risks on the biochemical levels: A comparative study in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

“…From different studies, chemical exposure in the working environment of garages results in an increased level of creatinine among exposed subjects compared with the unexposed. 26,28 However, in this study, we found no significant difference in the level of creatinine between the groups. Our finding was similar to the study conducted in Pakistan, 4 Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 24 Sulaimaniya city (Iraq) 30 , and Iran.…”

“…Second, a study that reported the mean urea level of 3.75 ± 1.53 mg/dl in garage workers and 2.8 ± 0.97 mg/dl in the control group that gives μ1 = 3.75, μ2 = 2.8 and sd1 = 1.53, sd2 = 0.97. 26 Based on this finding, the sample size became n1 = 30 and n2 = 30, which is relatively larger. Therefore, 30 occupationally exposed garage workers and 30 occupationally nonexposed groups were the sample size for this study.…”

Prevention of Hepatorenal Insufficiency Associated with Lead Exposure by Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Beverages Using In Vivo Assay

“…Regular exposure to lead acetate, in our study, led to a significant ( P < 0.05) rise in tissue Pb. These findings were in agreement with the results of Abdel Moneim et al [ 13 , 36 ]. On the other hand, the reduction of ALAD activity in liver and kidney tissue homogenates as a result of Pb exposure was supported by Amin et al [ 37 ].…”

“…Moreover, the untreated lead-exposed group showed insignificant reductions in serum sodium and potassium compared with the normal control group. These results are in accordance with those of Amah et al [ 36 ]; the poor sensitivity of electrolytes as indicators for kidney function as well as the renal reserve capability to maintain normal function even after the loss of about 50% of nephrons can account for these findings.…”

“…In the present study, lead exposure caused hypercreatininemic effect, while it caused an insignificant increase in serum urea. These results are in harmony with animal and human studies [ 13 , 36 ] and can be attributed to increased oxidative stress in renal tissue as a result of lead toxicity [ 13 ]. Moreover, the untreated lead-exposed group showed insignificant reductions in serum sodium and potassium compared with the normal control group.…”