This study is to explore the effect of ALAD polymorphism on hematopoietic, hepatic and renal toxicity from lead in occupational exposure workers.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 156 workers with occupational exposure to lead between 2002 and 2007. The results of laboratory examinations were analyzed.
Results: The authors found that workers with the ALAD 1-1 genotype were associated with higher blood lead level than those with the ALADl-2 genotype. Blood and urine lead levels were much higher in storage battery workers than in cable workers. The urine ALA and blood ZPP levels in workers with the ALAD 1-1 genotype were higher than those with the ALADl-2 genotype. The serum Cr level in workers with the ALADl-1 genotype was much higher than those with the ALADl-2 genotype especially in higher lead exposure level.
Conclusions: The ALAD-2 protein might modify the kinetics of lead in blood at a relatively higher blood lead level and protect against hematopoietic, hepatic and renal toxicity from lead. Urine ALA, blood ZPP and serum Cr levels might be considered as effective biological monitoring partners of lead induced hematopoietic and renal toxicology.
Keywords: delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase; hematopoietic toxicity; hepatic toxicity; lead toxicity; occupational exposure; polymorphism; renal toxicity.