Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels in workers with occupational exposure to lead

The plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels were measured in a group of male subjects occupationally exposed to lead for an average period of 17 yr, and compared to those from an age-matched control group living in the same city in a similar socioeconomical environment. The blood lead and plasma zinc levels were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels were established by the malondialdehyde determination method. Significant differences were found in the blood lead levels in lead-exposed workers, 15.00 +/- 10.15 microg/dL as compared to controls, 2.37 +/- 0.89 microg/dL. The plasma (2.67 +/- 0.69 microM) and erythrocyte (27.53 +/- 6.28 nmol/g Hb) lipid peroxide levels in workers with occupational exposure to lead were significantly higher than controls, 1.23 +/- 0.61 microM and 14.35 +/- 2.08 nmol/g Hb, respectively. There were no significant differences of the zinc levels in both groups. The blood lead levels had a statistically significant positive correlation with age and with duration of exposure in both groups, but showed no relationship to the corresponding blood zinc levels. The results presented in this study indicate that the increase of plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels in workers exposed to lead may be related to the lead concentration, age and duration of exposure. Index Entries: Blood lead; lipid peroxides; malondialdehyde.