The Effects of Lead on Some Markers of Liver and Kidney Functions of Lead Recycling Factory Workers are Mediated Through Increased Oxidative Stress

Lead is a highly toxic metal of great public health importance.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the kidney and liver function status and the markers of oxidative stress among lead recycling factory workers in Anambra State, Nigeria.

A total of 82 subjects (41 experimental and 41 control subjects) aged 20-60 years were recruited in this study. Lead levels in whole blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid levels as well as the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were measured using the spectrophotometric method. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were determined using colorimetric method and Berthelot’s and Jaffe slot methods were used to measure urea and creatinine levels, respectively.

The mean activities of SOD, GST, and catalase as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly lower in lead recycling workers compared with control group (P<0.05), whereas the mean activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT, as well as blood lead, MDA, urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels significantly increased in lead recycling workers (P<0.05). Furthermore, blood lead level was found positively correlated with MDA and creatinine levels but negatively with eGFR and GST levels (P<0.05). MDA level showed positive and negative correlations with creatinine and eGFR (P<0.05), respectively.

This study revealed significant alterations in the levels of some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in liver and kidney in lead recycling factory workers and showed a possible link between oxidative stress and the toxic effects of lead on the kidney and liver.