A study on oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers

To explore the possible oxidative stress induced by lead, heparinized whole blood and urine of 66 secondary smelter lead workers (46 for Comet assay) and 28 controls were collected The concentrations of blood lead (BPb) and u rinary lead (UPb) and cx-aminolevulinic acid (alpha-ALA), indices of lead e xposure level of the body, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentra tions and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of plasma were also measured. Single-cell gel (SCG, Comet assay) was used to measure the DNA damage of p eripheral blood cells. There was a positive correlation between the presenc e of Pb in blood and significant increases in MDA levels and SOD activity. Alcohol consumption and smoking with increased exposure to Pb was associate d with enhanced DNA damage. A positive correlation was found between MDA an d DNA damage.