Effect of occupational exposure to lead on serum levels of lipid profile and liver enzymes: An occupational cohort study

The present study was performed to know the effects of chronic lead exposure on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and liver enzymes in a cohort study among of lead mine workers. We followed of 200 Iranian workers for 3- years (2018–2020), 100 of them with known occupational exposure to lead thorough their work in lead mine while the others 100 were with no such exposure. Blood lead level (BLL), serum lipids, lipoproteins, and liver enzymes of the exposure group for 3- years were measured and compared with those attained in the non-exposed workers. The BLL levels of the lead-mine workers were higher than with recommended level and the non-exposed group (24.15 and 6.35 µg/dL, respectively). The findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between BLL and lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and bilirubin levels (P < 0.01). Also while we found a negative and significant correlation between BLL and triglyceride, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels (P < 0.01). This report depicted that chronic lead exposure is a risk factor for hematological, liver, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the fact that the level of liver function parameters was in the normal range, the results of 3- years follow-up show a significant relationship between BLL and alteration of biochemical parameters levels.