Effect of lead on glutathione reductase and some trace elements with reference to some clinical manifestations among printers

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out on 26 male printers to reveal the effect of lead on glutathione reductase [GSH] and some trace elements, with reference to some clinical manifestations of lead exposure. Laboratory tests including lead in blood [Pb-B], urinary amino- levulonic acid [UALA], delta-amino levulonic acid [d ALA], amino- luvulinic acid dehydratase [ALA-D], haemoglobin [Hb], GSH, serum proteins and serum zinc, iron copper were done. An atmospheric measurement for lead in different locations of workplace was also carried out. It was found that the gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric manifestations were predominant among the exposed workers. The most sensitive parameter was the inhibition of ALA-D. Reduced Hb and increased d-ALA were also observed. There was a decreased in the albumin-globulin [A/G] ratio and GSH. Serum iron was increased while serum zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu] were decreased. These were attributed to some disturbance in their metabolism. In view of the results of our study, some recommendations were suggested