Evaluation of the effect of lead exposure on the liver in Egyptian lead tank welders

Abstract

In a group of Egyptian lead tank welders who were exposed to lead fumes for periods to 22 years the changes in serum lipids and some of the liver function tests which may elucidate the effect of lead on the liver were investigated. The results revealed increased blood lead level associated with decreased blood haemoglobin and increased urinary excretion of delta amino levulinic acid. However, no clinical abnormalities were recorded in the exposed group of the present work. Thus the increase in serum triglycerides and B-lipoprotein together with the lowering of the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio which were found may indicate premature development of atherosclerosis. Indirect evidence of the beginning of liver fattening was also provided by the increase in serum GOT, GPT, LDH enzymes and decreased albumin/globulin ratio besides the changes in serum lipid values. It is concluded therefore that lead poisoning may have a vascular as well as hepato-toxic action.

The metabolism of carbohydrates and lipid peroxidation in lead-exposed workers

“…With respect to the fact that PbB mean levels both in the examined group (77.5 + 42.8 mg/dl) and in the control group (19.8 + 12.3 mg/dl) were much higher than in the present study, it is possible that lead decreases LDH activity at low doses; while at high doses, it increases LDH activity. This observation is in agreement with the study of Mikhail et al (1980) who investigated workers occupationally exposed to lead and showed enhanced LDH activity in the serum as well. The PbB mean levels in the control and in the examined group were equal to 27.15 + 7.15 mg/dl and 42.19 + 9.81 mg/dl, respectively.…”

Effect of Air Lead Pollution on Blood Bilirubin and Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels among Occupationally Exposed Workers in Main Sudanese Cities

“…The obtained results of this study were further substantiated by previous studies that were conducted by Mikhail, et al [23,17,10] . Comparison between blood total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and in direct bilirubin concentrations in exposed and control sample in different cities in Sudan is shown in table (4).…”

Protective Effect of Volatile Oil, Alcoholic and Aqueous Extracts ofOriganum majoranaon Lead Acetate Toxicity in Mice

“…Lead induced a significant genotoxic effect indicated by increased rate of micronucleus and chromosomal aberrations. Many studies have demonstrated similar results, that lead changes the liver functions inducing liver fattening and increased AST, ALT, ALP, lactate dehydrogenase enzymes and decreased albumin/globulin ratio and changed serum lipid values (Mikhail et al 1980;Regunathan & Sundaresan 1984;Othman & El Missiry 1998;Todorovic & Vujanovic 2002;Sivaprasad et al 2003).…”