Abstract
Introduction: Lead is an environmental toxicant known to generate several toxicity mechanisms in humans, including oxidative stress (OS). Few studies aimed to identify the blood lead levels (BLL) and to evaluate its association with OS biomarkers in the general population. This study aimed to assess the BLL and its relationship with paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in adults living in a medium size city in southern Brazil. Methods: A total of 959 adults, aged 40 years or more, were randomly selected and information on socioeconomic, lifestyle and occupational background were obtained by interviews. PON-1 activity was determined by spectrophotometry and MDA was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography in serum samples. BLL were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Means were compared by using t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Pearson and Spearman correlation were applied to evaluate linear associations. Results:The overall geometric mean BLL was 1.97 μg/dL (95% CI, 1.9-2.04). Men (44.4%), participants aged 50 to 59 years old (31.3%), current smokers (19.1%), drinkers (38.2%), and current or former employed in lead (Pb) industries (12%) had higher BLL. Among those 959 participants, 494 performed tests for PON-1 activity and 579 for MDA concentrations. The mean of PON1 activity was 181.4±61.0 U/mL and was significantly lower in older participants and in those current or former employed in Pb industries. Mean MDA concentration was 0.64±0.28 μM and was higher in men and in subjects with elevated LDL (≥160 mg/dL; p=0.03). PON-1 activity and MDA concentration was not correlated with BLL (r=0.04, p=0.35) and (r=0.02, p=0.58), respetively. Conclusion:The study provided a descriptive analysis of the relationship of BLL and OS biomarkers in Brazilian adults.
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