Caspase-3 activity as an early marker of lead-induced immunotoxicity

ABSTRACT

This study included 80 adult males. They were nonsmokers, non- drug abusers and nonalcoholic and not occupationally exposed to lead. They were divided into four equal groups according to residency and workplace. The subjects in group I were living on the highway and working in the city,those in group 2 were living and working in the city, in group 3 were living and working in the villages and group 4 were living in the villages and working in the city. Mean blood lead level was significantly higher in the subjects who were living on the highway and working in the city [23.8 +/- 5.6 g/dl] as compared with all other groups. Caspase-3 activity showed significant increase in the subjects of the first group [0.305 +/- 0.09] when compared with all other groups. However, the study revealed that as the blood lead level increased than 18.35 g/dl, it showed significant positive correlation to lymphocyte caspase-3 activity