The effect of occupational lead exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose-response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels.

Association of Urine Lead Exposure with Lipid Metabolism Risk Factors and Diseases in Xinxiang, China

“…The results of this study show that urine lead levels are positively correlated with triglycerides, which is consistent with the experimental conclusions reached by Park YJ et al [17]. Previous studies observed that lipid peroxidation could be caused by occupational lead exposure, and occupational lead exposure induced oxidative stress that resulted in lipid damage [18,19], a finding similar to the results of this study. Another study also found that early-life exposure to lead was strongly correlated with obesity, which was consistent with our results showing that urine lead content had a close positive correlation with lipid metabolism [20].…”

The INFLUENCE OF Β-Carotene ON HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LEAD-EXPOSED WORKERS

“…The level of thiol groups is the 2nd measured parameter indirectly reflects oxidative stress intensity. In our previous study, we reported significantly decreased thiol groups level in a similar group of workers who were exposed to lead (26). Results of the present study indicate that β-carotene is efficient to restore the level of thiol groups.…”

Lead Exposure and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review

“…One study measured the production of isoprostane to check the oxidation of tissue phospholipids and observed increased isoprostane levels in welders when compared with the control group; it also identifi ed that age and cigarette smoking did not contribute to the 2.4-fold increase in the isoprostane levels observed in welders (Han et al 2005 ). Two studies analyzed conjugated dienes, a primary end-product of LPO and both reported a positive correlation with BLLs (r = 0.33; p < 0.05 and r = 0.694; p < 0.001) (Permpongpaiboon et al 2011 ;Kasperczyk et al 2013c ).…”