Investigation on oxidative stress and immune function of occupationally lead-exposed workers

Objective To study the adverse effects of lead exposure on oxidative stress and immune function of male workers.

Methods The workers in a battery factory were studied and the relationship between their blood lead and oxidative stress and immune function was evaluated.

Results A total of 130 male workers in this battery factory were included and according to blood lead levels they were divided into 3 groups, namely high lead exposure group (blood lead > 300 μg/L, 34 workers), medium lead exposure group (200 μg/L ≤ blood lead ≤ 300 μg/L, 51 workers) and low lead exposure group (blood lead value < 200 μg/L, 45 workers). Workers in medium lead exposure group had a higher level of SOD(P < 0.05), while there were no significant difference of MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px levels among these workers(P > 0.05). TNF-α level of workers in the high lead exposure group was higher(P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences of IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, and IL-2 levels among these workers(P > 0.05). ZPP level of workers gradually increased with the increment of blood lead and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) among workers in 3 groups. Blood lead concentrations were significantly correlated with peripheral blood TNF-α (r_s=0.213, P < 0.05) and ZPP (r_s=0.513, P < 0.01), while the correlations between the other indicators and blood lead concentrations were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion Higher blood lead concentration may have a certain adverse effect on oxidative stress and immune function among occupationally lead-exposed workers.