Alteration of biochemical parameters related with exposure to lead in heavy alcohol drinkers.

Blood lead levels (PbB), delta-ALA dehydratase activity (ALAD) and erythrocytic protoporphyrin (EPP) values were studied in heavy wine and spirit drinkers. Results were compared in both groups and with a control group (teetotalers). Results in all cases are expressed as arithmetic means +/- SD. PbB values found in the three groups were statistically different inter se: wine group, 195 +/- 82 microg l(-1); spirits group, 159 +/- 69 microg l(-1); teetotalers, 72 +/- 43 microg l(-1). ALAD was significantly lower in the drinker groups (wine 26.9 plus minus 11.4 U l(-1)and spirits 28.3 plus minus 11.6 U l(-1))vs the control group (48.3 plus minus 13.5 U l(-1)). Differences in EPP levels in the three groups were only significant between the teetotaler and the wine drinker groups. Our findings indicate that, in heavy drinkers (more than 2 liters of wine per day), not only are lead levels increased in the blood but there are also biochemical alterations that affect the heme biosynthetic pathway, which should be taken into account in treatment for alcoholics.

Thyroid hormone changes in males exposed to lead in the Buenos Aires area (Argentina).

The relationship between lead levels in blood (PbB) and hormones T3, T4, T4F and TSH were studied in 75 subjects exposed to lead at work. PbB levels in blood were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and hormones by enzymoimmunoassay. Positive and significant correlations among thyroid hormones and TSH vs blood lead level in the ranges 8-50 and 26-50 micro g dl(-1)were found ('r' between 0.304 and 0.621 and 0.431 and 0.619, respectively). At PbB levels between 8 and 26 micro g dl(-1)significant correlation was only found for TSH (r= 0.731). In the range PbB 50-98 micro g dl(-1), 'r' was significant only for T3 (-0.746) and T4 (-0.514). Significant differences were observed in T4 and T4F levels between exposed and non-exposed groups. The results obtained indicate the need for monitoring thyroid hormones and TSH levels in workers exposed to lead.

Variations in rat biochemical parameters after buckshot implant.

Twenty eight albino Wistar rats were implanted with two 100 mg lead spheres: 14 received the implant in the peritoneum (P) and 14 in the thigh (T). Variations in the activity of delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase (ALAD), of urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU), of hematoporphyrins (HP) and of lead blood levels (BPb) were then determined at 30, 60 and 90 days with respect to basal values. Parallel determinations were performed by the same schedule in 7 rats implanted with two glass beads and in 8 sham animals receiving surgical incision alone. Techniques employed for ALAD were Berlin and Schaller; for ALAU, Tomokuni and Ogata; for HP, Piomelli; and for BPb, atomic absorption spectrophotometry. As indicators of lead presence, HP and ALAU proved better, both in P and in T rats. The replacement of lead buckshot for small game hunting by other less toxic elements is recommended.