Effects of occupational lead exposure on testosterone secretion

Abstract

This study aims the determination of the relationship between blood lead levels (BLL) and reproductive hormones in workers with occupational lead (Pb) exposure. 58 workers who visited Ankara Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital between 2013 and 2017 and had a BLL of > 5 μg/dL and no infertility problem, were included in the study as the case group. The workers who have a chronic disease and use prescribed or herbal medicine were excluded. 63 healthy office workers with no heavy metal exposure at the workplace were selected as the control group. BLL, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), uric acid, creatinine, complete blood count (CBC), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulant hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were examined and the occupational anamnesis of the workers were taken. As a percentage, 47.9 % (n=58) of 121 persons (all males) was the study group with Pb exposure and 52.1 % (n=63) were the control group. While the BLL was 34,20 μg/dL in the exposed group, it was 1,82 μg/dL in the control group (p