Lead, cadmium and arsenic represent well recognized toxic agents which in a specific manner disturb function of cardiovascular system. Cystatin C has been accepted to be a significant prognostic factor for cardiovascular diseases. The study aimed at defining relationship between occupational exposure to lead, cadmium and arsenic on one hand and concentration of cystatin C on the other. The studies were performed on 282 men occupationally exposed to lead, cadmium and arsenic. Among the tested individuals several groups of persons were distinguished: exposed exclusively to lead (Pb group), cadmium (Cd group), arsenic (As group), to lead and cadmium (Pb/Cd group), to lead and arsenic (Pb/As group) or to cadmium and arsenic (Cd/As group). In all the individuals serum concentration of cystatin C was estimated. Concentration of cystatin C was found to be significantly higher in Pb group than in Cd and As groups, also in Pb/Cd group higher than in Cd group and in Pb/As group than in As group. Positive linear correlations were established between Pb concentration in blood (Pb-B) and serum concentration of cystatin C (r=0.59; p<0.05) as well as between urinary concentration of As (As-U) and serum concentration of cystatin C (r=0.41; p<0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that higher blood level of lead, higher urinary level of arsenic, more advanced age and higher body mass index represented independent risk factors of an increased serum concentration of cystatin C in the group of persons exposed to lead, cadmium and arsenic.
Conclusions: Higher blood level of lead and higher urinary level of arsenic represented independent risk factors of an increased serum concentration of cystatin C in the group of persons occupationally exposed to lead, cadmium and arsenic. Concentration of lead in blood was significantly influencing serum concentration of cystatin C. The highest mean serum concentration of cystatin C was detected in the group of foundry workers exposed simultaneously to lead and arsenic.
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