High blood lead levels compromise the total antioxidant status of normal healthy adults in a population in Karachi

ABSTRACT

To find out the total antioxidant status [TAS] and its relationship to blood lead [Pb] in apparently healthy adults in a population in Karachi. In a cross-sectional study, a cohort of 132 healthy adults [67 having blood Pb levels below 7 micro g/dl and 65 having blood Pb levels above 11 micro g/dl] were randomly selected from 872 healthy adults [age 18-60 years] recruited from a low-income population in Karachi. TAS in serum was analyzed using spectrophotometric assay based kit, while blood Pb levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. Mean serum TAS levels were significantly less in subjects with high blood Pb concentration compared to those with low blood Pb concentration [1.05 +/- 0.27 mmol/l vs 1.16 +/- 0.24 mmol/l; P=0.01]. In a correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender, TAS levels were found to be modestly associated with blood Pb [Pearson's r=-0.2; P=0.02]. Mean TAS levels were significantly decreased in apparently healthy adults with high blood Pb in a general population in Karachi. Exposure to Pb pollution could be compromising antioxidant ability of individuals in the study population