Body Composition and Its Impact on the Hormonal Disturbances in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

We investigated the relationship between selected body composition (BC) parameters and included 55 women diagnosed with PCOS and 29 women in which PCOS was excluded. Hormone concentration and BC parameters were assessed during hospitalization. Women with PCOS had higher concentration of luteinizing hormones, total testosterone, androstenedione, and Anti-Müllerian hormones compared to women that were not diagnosed with PCOS. We did not observe any significant differences in the BC parameters between both groups as well as between four PCOS phenotype subgroups. Only in the group of women with PCOS was the concentration of sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone correlated with all investigated BC parameters. Correspondence analysis did not confirm unambiguously associations between phenotypes of PCOS and the value of BC parameters, while logistic regression revealed that increased Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and the value of body mass index could be useful parameters in differentiating women with PCOS and women with other disorders. The ROC analysis performed on the entire group of women also confirmed that the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormones could be a powerful parameter to categorize women as suffering from PCOS.

The Impact of Early Pregnancy and Exposure to Tobacco Smoke on Blood Antioxidant Status and Copper, Zinc, Cadmium Concentration-A Pilot Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of early pregnancy and exposure to tobacco smoke on antioxidant status and copper, zinc, and cadmium concentrations in the blood of non-smoking and smoking, as well as non-pregnant or pregnant women. The study included 213 women. More specifically, 150 women in first trimester of pregnancy and 63 non-pregnant women. Women were divided into subgroups according to exposure to tobacco smoke. Pregnancy significant influences higher copper and lower zinc concentration in the serum, whereas exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy is mainly associated with an elevation in cadmium and zinc concentration. It seems that metallothionein, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase are the important antioxidants during early pregnancy, when exposure to tobacco smoke occurs, whereas the pregnancy itself is associated with a higher concentration of metallothionein and activity of catalase. Both pregnancy in the first trimester and exposure to tobacco smoke decrease glutathione concentration. In addition, active and passive maternal smoking have a similarly negative effect on antioxidant status in the first trimester. Early pregnancy as well as exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with significant alteration in antioxidant status and copper, zinc, and cadmium concentration. Due to a small number of smoking subjects (11 cases of non-pregnant, active smokers and 14 pregnant active smokers), the obtained results should be treated as a pilot, and this should be considered for future studies.

The role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 concentration and paraoxonase 1 activities in the blood of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) and the activities of paraoxonase 1 in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We found significant higher PCSK9, whereas lower high-density lipoprotein concentration in the serum of women with PCOS when compared to the group without PCOS. Also paraoxonase 1 activities were significantly different between women with PCOS than without PCOS. In addition, the women with PCOS and insulin resistance had higher concentrations of PCSK9 than women with PCOS and insulin sensitivity. Higher PCSK9 concentration in the group with PCOS could be also associated with hormones concentrations. Changes in paraoxonase 1 activities and lipid profile parameters as well as higher concentration of PCSK9 in the group of women with PCOS could be associated with metabolism disorders, but due to the small clinical sample size, the study should be continued.

Zinc, copper, sirtuin 1 concentration, and glucose metabolism parameters in the blood of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess concentration of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their relationships with glucose metabolism parameters. The study included 76 women with PCOS aged between 17 and 39 years old. The blood was collected according to the routine procedure during the follicular phase. Zn and Cu concentrations were performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Glucose concentration was estimated by colorimetric methods. Insulin (INs) concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SIRT1 concentration was determined using commercial test. We found higher Cu concentration and Cu/Zn value in the serum of women with PCOS with overweight/obesity. Early stage of insulin resistance (IR) in the group of women with PCOS affected on higher Cu concentration and Cu/Zn value. However, increased value of body mass index, waist-hip ratio and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was not associated with changes in Zn and SIRT1 concentration. Further disturbances in glucose metabolic parameters in the blood of women with PCOS were intensified by overweight/obesity and IR. Overweight/obesity and IR in the women with PCOS increase disorders in Cu homeostasis and glucose metabolism parameters.

The effect of divalent metal chelators and cadmium on serum phosphotriesterase, lactonase and arylesterase activities of paraoxonase 1.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is calcium dependent enzyme involved in many functions in human body. PON1 is synthesized in the liver and secreted to the bloodstream where bounds high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Association of PON1 with HDL increases the enzyme stability and biological activities. PON1 have three different activities: phosphotriesterase, lactonase and arylesterase. Until now there is now commercial available kits to determine these three PON1 activities. Also there is no date about stability of PON1 in serum after storage condition. We have elaborated the optimal conditions for determination of PON1 activities in serum using manual procedure as well as the best storage temperature of human serum for determination of PON1 activities. We have also confirmed that PON1 in serum is associated with HDL. Additionally we have investigated the effect of D-penicillamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and cadmium chloride on PON1 activities in human serum. D-penicillamine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in therapeutic doses as well as cadmium chloride in toxic doses decrease PON1 activities in human serum when compared to non-treated serum. D-penicillamine as metal chelator inhibits much stronger PON1 activities than ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Changes in lipid profile parameters and PON1 status associated with L55M PON1 polymorphism, overweight and exposure to tobacco smoke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) L55M polymorphism on the enzyme's activity and concentration in the serum as well as its association with lipid profile parameters in a group of healthy persons. We also evaluated the presence of PON1 L55M polymorphism in a group of subjects exposed to tobacco smoke and with overweight or obesity on those parameters. METHODS: Analysis of L55M polymorphism was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR - RFLP). Serum PON1 concentration and lipid profile parameters were assayed using commercial tests. PON1 activities were measured earlier elaborated procedures. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant difference in HDL and PON1 concentration: the highest in the LL genotype and the lowest in the MM genotype with the LM genotype having an intermediate concentration. L55M polymorphism influence on PON1 arylesterase and phosphotriesterase activity, whereas PON1 lactonase activity did not differ in all polymorphic variant groups. Exposure to tobacco smoke and overweight or obesity additionally disorder above mentioned parameters. Overweight and obesity in LM and MM genotype could be associated with higher PON1 phosphotriesterase activity. It is also possible that MM genotype could be a determinant of smoking addiction. CONCLUSIONS: L55M polymorphism, like exposure to tobacco smoke and overweight, disorders PON1 status and lipid profile parameters; therefore, it could be a crucial risk factor for the development of many metabolic disorders.

The effect of passive and active exposure to tobacco smoke on lipid profile parameters and the activity of certain membrane enzymes in the blood of women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The effect of tobacco smoke on lipid peroxidation, the lipid profile and membrane-bound enzymatic activity in the first trimester of pregnancy was investigated. In the plasma of women with active exposure to tobacco smoke, we have found increased lipid peroxidation and higher total concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins in the blood, as well as a decreased concentration of high-density lipoproteins. A higher concentration of low-density lipoproteins and a lower concentration of high-density lipoproteins were also found in the plasma of passive smokers. In contrast, women who smoked before pregnancy had only a higher low-density lipoprotein concentration. In the group of active and passive smoking women, lower arylesterase and phosphotriesterase activities of paraoxonase were observed, while the lactonase activity of paraoxonase decreased only in the group of active smoking women. In women with active exposure to tobacco smoke, a higher activity level of alanine aminopeptidase and γ-glutamyltransferase in the plasma was found. It is important to monitor the lipid profile during pregnancy, especially when exposure to tobacco smoke occurs.

The role of metallothionein in oncogenesis and cancer treatment.

Metallothionein is cysteine-rich low molecular mass protein. The involvement of MT in many physiological and pathophysiological processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, and the detoxification of heavy metals suggested participation of this protein in carcinogenesis and tumor therapy. Depending on the type of tissue and classification of carcinoma various it was observed relation between MT expression and tumor type, stage, grade, poor prognosis and body resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. MT in tumor cell plays important role in defense mechanism against the effect of radiation by inhibiting the processes that lead to the apoptosis. A number of studies have shown an increased expression of MT in various human tumors of larynx, pancreas, kidney, uterus and breast, whereas lower MT expression was detected in liver tumors. Variable MT expression was detected in case of thyroid, prostate, lung, stomach and central nervous system tumors. Also MT plays crucial role in the cytostatics treatment. MT can bind cis-platinum compounds and removes them from the cells, which may lead to multidrug resistance. However, the same functions of MT protect against the negative effects of chemotherapeutic treatment. It is especially important in case of heart cells. Analysis of MT expression in tumor cells may be useful in choosing method of treatment. It is difficult to determine whether increased expression of MT is only a inducing factor of the development of the carcinogenesis, its malignances and multidrug resistance, or it is a factor inhibiting the induction and development of cancer.

How Does Tobacco Smoke Affect Fetal Growth Potential in the First Trimester of Pregnancy as Measured by Volume Parameters of the Fetus, Trophoblast, and Gestational Sac?

We aimed to assess if tobacco smoke, as measured by the serum concentration of cotinine and blood concentration of cadmium, influences the fetal, sac, and trophoblast volume in the first trimester of pregnancy. We enrolled women in weeks 11 to 14 of pregnancy: 35 smokers, 24 passive smokers, and 98 nonsmoking healthy women. We found that the fetus volume was similar in all groups (18.70 ± 6.29, 17.11 ± 5.4, 18.97 ± 7.55 cm3). The trophoblast was significantly smallest in smokers (50.27 ± 19.56, 56.71 ± 23.50, 61.95 ± 22.94 cm3). The trophoblast volume was correlated with cotinine and cadmium concentration ( r = -0.54, r = -0.44). In passive smokers, gestational sac and trophoblast volume grew systematically and were correlated with the mean parental height. In smokers, only the gestational sac grew systematically and was correlated with the mean parental height. The fetus volume was independent of mean parental height and intensity of exposure to tobacco smoke. Volumetric changes of the fetus, trophoblast, and sac may be observed in the first trimester; however, their consequences require further research.

The impact of environmental and biological factors on paraoxonase 1 and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activities in the blood of smelters.

Disorders of paraoxonase and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activities can induce development of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of occupational exposure to heavy metals, tobacco smoke and alcohol consumption on the activities of paraoxonase and γ-glutamyltranspeptydase as well as glutathione concentration. We have observed reduced paraoxonase activity and higher γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity in serum of smelters when compared to control groups. In the blood of smoking smelters was demonstrated a negative correlation between paraoxonase activity and BMI value as well as between paraoxonase activity and tobacco smoke and consumption of 40% alcohol. Also, negative correlation was found for the activity of paraoxonase and glutathione concentration as well as γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity. Higher γ-glutamyltranspeptydase activity and lower paraoxonase activity in the serum of smelters exposed to heavy metals and tobacco smoke can cause disorders in functioning of the body.

Transferrin Sialylation in Smoking and Non-Smoking Pregnant Women with Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Transferrin (Tf) is a glycosylated protein responsible for transporting iron. Various sialylation levels of Tf are observed during physiological and pathological processes. We studied if the changes in iron stores as well as tobacco smoke may have an impact on foetal development and in consequence lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the third trimester of pregnancy, lower levels of 4-sialoTf isoform and higher levels of 5-sialoTf were observed in the serum of non-smoking women with IUGR in comparison to the control group. On the day of labour, level of 2-sialoTf was significantly lower and level of 3-sialo was Tf higher in the serum of non-smoking women. Level of 4-sialo was found lower in the serum of smoking women with IUGR than in the control group. The observed changes may suggest a connection between iron stores, transport of iron to the foetus and foetal development.

How does tobacco smoke influence the morphometry of the fetus and the umbilical cord?-Research on pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction exposed to tobacco smoke.

Proper structure of the umbilical cord is important for the fetal development. We evaluated effects of toxic factors from tobacco smoke on fetal and umbilical cord morphometry. 109 women in weeks 29-40 of pregnancy (31 smokers with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); 28 non-smoking women with IUGR; 50 healthy pregnancies) were included. In smokers with IUGR, cotinine, cadmium and lead concentrations were significantly higher than in controls (mean 55.23ng/l; 1.52ng/ml; 14.85ng/ml vs 1.07; 0.34; 9.42) and inverse correlation between lead concentration and uncoiled umbilical cord was significant (r=-0.80). In smokers with IUGR, area of Wharton's jelly was increased compared to nonsmokers and controls. Inverse correlations occurred between cotinine and cadmium concentration and fetal percentile in smokers (r=-0.87; r=-0.87) and non-smokers (r=-0.47; r=-0.78) with IUGR. Exposure to tobacco smoke measured by cotinine, cadmium and lead concentration has an impact on fetal growth and umbilical cord morphometry and correlates with intensity of IUGR.

The influence of biological and environmental factors on metallothionein concentration in the blood.

The concentration of metallothionein (MT), a low-molecular-weight protein, is regulated by many factors, primarily metals (zinc, cadmium, copper), cytokines, glucocorticoides and free radicals. These factors are determined by such aspects of human biology as gender, pregnancy and age, as well as by environmental factors including the use of oral contraceptives and cigarette smoking, all which may affect MT levels in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these biological and environmental factors on MT concentrations in erythrocyte lysate and in plasma. MT concentrations were determined by a two-step direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Evaluation of exposure to cigarette smoking was performed by checking cotinine levels in the plasma of subjects. The studies showed higher MT concentrations in both the erythrocyte lysate and plasma of women when compared to men. Furthermore, pregnancy causes an increase of MT concentration in plasma, while oral contraceptives cause an elevated concentration of MT in erythrocyte lysate. Age impacts plasma MT concentrations in men, whereas it does not affect concentrations of MT in erythrocyte lysate.

Effect of cigarette smoking on vascular flows in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction.

Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy may result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the study, the effect of tobacco smoke on vascular flows in the middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery, ductus venosus in fetuses and uterine artery in pregnancies complicated by IUGR was investigated. The study subjects were divided into three groups: smoking women with IUGR (n=31), women with idiopathic IUGR (n=28) and healthy controls (n=50). Fetal biometry and flow parameters were measured. Concentration of heavy metals and antioxidants was tested in maternal blood and fetal umbilical cord blood. The Student t test and multiple regression analysis were used. Cotinine and cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in smokers (55.23±54.23, 1.52±0.9), while metallothionein was significantly higher (22.94±8.64) in the idiopathic IUGR group. Strong correlations between cotinine and cadmium concentrations and cerebral-umbilical index were found. Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke deteriorates flows in vital fetal vessels.

Participation of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase in the blood of smoking smelters.

OBJECTIVES: Metallothionein (MT) and two forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are dependent on zinc and copper ions, are involved in defense against the same superoxide anion radicals and are present in extra- and intracellular compartments. The aim of our study was to investigate MT concentration and Cu/Zn SOD activity in the plasma and erythrocyte lysate of the non-smoking and smoking smelters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigations were performed in the blood of 300 male smelters and 100 non-exposed male subjects. We have measured zinc, copper, malondialdehyde (MDA) and MT concentrations as well as SOD activity. RESULTS: We have observed an increase of Cu/Zn coefficient and decrease of Zn/Cu coefficient in the serum of smelters in comparison with the non-smoking control group. Concentration of MDA in the plasma of smelters was higher in comparison with its concentration in the non-smoking control group. The plasma and the erythrocyte lysate MT concentration increased significantly in the whole group of smelters as compared to the non-smoking control group. The mean value of MT concentration in plasma of the smoking smelters was above 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. The activity of Cu/Zn SOD in plasma of the smoking and non-smoking smelters was decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, respectively. The lowest activity of Cu/Zn SOD, about 2-3-fold decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, was detected in plasma of the smelters. An inverse relationship was observed in the erythrocyte lysate. The highest activity of Cu/Zn SOD was reported in the erythrocyte lysate of the smoking smelters and it was about 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. CONCLUSIONS: In extracellular environment MT plays a crucial role in comparison with the SOD, while in the intracellular compartment Cu/Zn SOD and MT cooperate with each other.

The influence of the intensity of smoking and years of work in the metallurgy on pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in the blood of smelters.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking and occupational exposure to heavy metals on the degree of pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in smelters. The investigations were performed on the blood and urine of 400 subjects: 300 male copper smelters and 100 nonexposed male subjects. Biological material was divided into three groups: nonsmokers, those who smoked less than 20 cigarettes a day and those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day. The results showed a significant increase in the concentration of lead, cadmium and arsenic in the blood and urine of smelters, while smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day caused a further increase in the concentration of these metals. The level of malondialdehyde was approximately twofold higher in the plasma of the smelters compared to the control group. We have observed a disturbance in the level of antioxidants in erythrocyte lysate manifested by an increase in metallothionein and glutathione concentrations as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and the decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity. Cigarette smoking, years of work in metallurgy and age of smelters were additional factors significantly affecting the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance.

[Effect of tobacco smoking on glutathione concentration in the blood]. / Wplyw palenia papierosów na stezenie glutationu we krwi.

The aim of present study was to determine the influence of tobacco smoking and age on reduced glutathione concentration in the blood. The study was performed in the blood of 65 subjects. The data on smoking which had been obtained from a direct personal interview were verified by determination of serum cotinine concentrations. Biological material was divided into groups of non-smokers and smokers. Malonylodialdehyde concentration in the plasma was measured by reaction with thiobarbituric acid. Concentration of cadmium was measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction. Reduced glutathione in the blood was measured using a previously developed method [11]. A significant increase of malonylodialdehyde concentration was observed in the blood of smokers > or = 20 cigarettes per day compared to nonsmoking person. Malonylodialdehyde level in the plasma of smokers <20 cigarettes per day did not differ with non-smokers. The highest cadmium concentration was observed in the whole blood of smokers > or = 20 cigarettes per day and it was about 4-fold higher compared to non-smoking people. Also smokers <20 cigarettes per day have higher cadmium concentration in the blood in comparison to non-smokers. Analyzing the impact of smoking intensity on reduced glutathione concentration it was a statistically significant increase in the blood of smokers > or = 20 cigarettes per day compared to nonsmoking person. Non-smoking and smokers <20 cigarettes per day had comparable levels of this antioxidant in the blood. A significant elevation in reduced glutathione concentration was observed in the blood of smokers < 30 years of age in comparison to nonsmoking persons < 30 and > 30 years of age. Our study confirmed that the reduced glutathione concentration in the body affects tobacco smoking and aging.

Changes in pro/antioxidant balance in smoking and non-smoking pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cigarette smoking on the pro/antioxidant balance in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The studies have shown a 2-fold increase of Cd concentration in blood of women with IUGR in labour and a 10-fold increase in smoking pregnant women with IUGR. The increase of malondialdehyde concentration in plasma and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in serum and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocyte lysate of pregnants with IUGR, reinforced by smoking, was revealed. We observed a decrease in the concentration of glutathione in blood and glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma and in erythrocyte lysate. A 4-fold higher metallothionein concentration in the plasma of women with IUGR in labour suggests that metallothionein may be one of the IUGR markers. Metallothionein concentration was intensified by smoking up to 7-fold in comparison to the controls. The pro/antioxidant balance during pregnancy is significantly affected by smoking.

Determination of metallothionein in biological fluids using enzyme-linked immunoassay with commercial antibody.

Metallothionein (MT) is a low molecular weight cysteine-rich protein with a number of roles in the pro/antioxidant balance and homeostasis of essential metals, such as zinc and copper, and in the detoxification of heavy metals, such as cadmium and mercury. Until now, detection of metallothionein in biological fluids remained difficult because of a lack of a broadly reactive commercial test. Meaningful comparison of the values of metallothionein concentrations reported by different authors using their specific isolation procedures and different conditions of enzyme-linked immunoassay is difficult due to the absence of a reference material for metallothionein. Therefore in the present study, we describe a quantitative assay for metallothionein in biological fluids such as plasma and urine performed by a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay using a commercially available monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody and commercial standards of metallothionein from rabbit liver and a custom preparation of metallothionein from human liver. The sensitivity of the assay for the standard containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II from human liver was 140 pg/well. The reactivity of the commercial standards and standards containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II isolated from human liver in our laboratory with a commercial monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody were similar. This suggests that the described ELISA test can be useful for determination of metallothionein concentration in biological fluids. The concentrations of metallothionein in human plasma, erythrocyte lysate and in urine of smoking and non-smoking healthy volunteers are reported. Tobacco smoking increases the extracellular metallothionein concentration (plasma and urine) but does not affect the intracellular concentration (erythrocyte lysate).

[Activity of alanine aminopeptidase in blood and in urine of smoking and non-smoking smelters]. / Aktywnosc alanyloaminopeptydazy we krwi i moczu palacych i niepalacych hutników.

The human body is constantly exposed to xenobiotics. This will include exogenous substances from environmental pollution such as heavy metals and lifestyle such as smoking, which may lead to impaired functioning of many organs. The liver and kidney are the critical organs in the case of a long-term occupational or environmental exposure to heavy metals and tobacco smoke. In diagnostics of liver and kidney damage useful are the methods which determine the activity of enzymes such as alanine aminopeptidase (AAP). AAP is a marker for early detection of acute kidney damage, and presence of AAP derive mainly from proximal tubular brush-border. Activity of AAP in urine allows to assess the damage resulting from the nephrotoxic exposure to heavy metals. In the serum AAP is mainly from hepatic. Activity of AAP may be useful to identify liver cancer. The investigation was shown, that AAP activity in the blood is used to detect hepatic cholestasis and congestive jaundice. The aim of present study was to assess the influence of occupational exposure of copper-foundry workers to heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead) on activity of alanine aminopeptidase in blood and urine. The investigations were performed in blood and urine of 166 subjects: 101 male copper smelters and 65 non-exposed male subjects. The study protocol was approved by Local Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University (KB No: 469/2008). The data on smoking which had been obtained from a direct personal interview were verified by determination of serum cotinine concentrations. Biological material collected from the control group and smelters was divided into subgroups of nonsmokers and smokers. The concentrations of lead and cadmium were determined in whole blood, whilst the level of arsenic and cadmium were determined in urine using FAAS method (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) in the acetylate flame on the SOLAAR M6. The activity of AA was determined in blood and in urine. The results showed a 9-fold increase in the concentration of lead and 10-fold elevation of arsenic level in all groups of smelters in comparison to the control group. The highest cadmium, lead and arsenic concentrations were observed in blood and urine of smoking smelters. We have observed a significant increase in the concentrations of lead and cadmium in blood of smoking persons from control group in comparison to the non-smoking persons from this group, which suggest, that tobacco smoking increase the heavy metals concentrations in the organisms. Occupational exposure to heavy metals resulted in an increase of AAP activity in blood and urine of all groups of smelters in comparison to corresponding control groups. The highest value of AAP was observed in serum and urine of smoking smelters. Tobacco smoke also increases the AAP activity the blood and urine of smoking smelters and control group compared to the non-smoking smelters and nonsmoking control group, appropriate. The study was shown that occupational exposure to heavy metals and tobacco.