Effect of Lead Exposure and Lifestyle Factors on Methylation Index Markers Among Pb-Exposed Workers.

ABSTRACT

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and the ratio of SAM and SAH in Pb-exposed workers need to be assessed. In this study, we investigated the effects of Pb exposure on SAM, SAH, and methylation index (MI) in Pb-exposed workers with contemplation of lifestyle factors. Blood lead levels (BLLs), SAM, SAH, MI, and lifestyle factors were assessed in 338 male Pb-exposed workers. BLLs are estimated by ICP-OES method. SAM and SAH levels in serum were determined by ELISA method. The MI was calculated using SAM and SAH individual values. The lifestyle factors were collected using standard questionnaire. Levels of SAM and MI were significantly decreased with increased age, experience > 5 years, habits of tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, and BLLs 10-30, 30-50, and > 50 µg/dL. Levels of SAH were significantly increased with increased age, habits of tobacco chewing and smoking, and BLLs 10-30, 30-50, and > 50 µg/dL. The association between BLLs and methylation index markers (SAM and MI) was reported as negative and significant. The association between BLLs and SAH was noted positive and significant. The influence of BLLs and lifestyle factors on SAM was noted at 12%, SAH at 35%, and MI at 27%, respectively. The highest percentage of influence was noted in SAH, followed by MI and SAM. In the workers exposed to Pb, lifestyle factors resulted in decreased SAM and MI and increased SAH levels. Adaptation of healthy lifestyle factors, personal hygiene practices, and use of PPE were suggested to minimize the reduction of methylation index markers.