ALTERED LEVELS OF URINARY PROSTANOIDS IN LEAD-EXPOSED WORKERS

This paper describes the alteration of the urinary excretion of prosta noids in workers occupationally exposed to lead. For this purpose, the following groups were studied: Group 1 (n = 62): controls; Group 2 (n = 29): risk group; and Group 3 (n = 69): exposed group. Urine samples were collected for prostanoid analysis and lead blood levels were ana lyzed. Our results demonstrate that urinary excretion of prostanoids i s already altered even at levels of lead in blood = 200 mu g/l. Owing to their sensitivity, urinary prostanoids could be useful markers of e arly renal changes associated with lead exposure. However, underlying mechanisms should be elucidated and the health significance of such ch anges should be assessed before any conclusion is drawn.