Individual susceptibility associated with enzymatic and cytogenetic biomarkers in occupational exposure to inorganic lead

Abstract

More consideration is given to occupational lead exposure, especially from ecogenetic and molecular epidemiology point of view. Lead causes genotoxic effects and influences some important metabolic pathways by inhibiting key enzymes, a good reason for researchers to assess individual susceptibility through specific biomarkers. The present paper emphasizes the relationship between occupational lead exposure, biochemical indicators (δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase), cytogenetic biomarker, hematological indicators (hemoglobin, hematocrit) and frequency of hospitalizations for saturnism. The study comprised 12 male workers occupationally exposed to inorganic lead from a non- ferrous metallurgical factory, Romania. Exposure to inorganic lead was assessed by determination of lead concentration in the workplace and by biotoxicological analyses (blood lead level, urine lead level, urine δ-aminolevulinic acid). Blood δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase level was measured. We found a statistically significant correlation between micronucleus score, level of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and frequency of hospitalizations for lead poisoning. We propose these indicators as an accessible instrument in evaluating individual susceptibility to lead poisoning, more practical than laborious polymorphism genes assessment and less ethically debatable issue.