Click evoked otoacoustic emissions in occupational exposure to lead, concentrations of selected essential elements and markers of oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: This study focused on the selected markers of oxidative stress, impact of elevated lead levels on long-term hearing quality. We investigated whether the presence of certain essential minerals might provide protection to the auditory system against the effects of lead (and cadmium) compounds. METHODS: The research group included 280 male employees of the zinc and lead smelter, which was divided into: L-Pb-low blood lead concentration (PbB) subgroup, H-Pb-high PbB subgroup. Hearing tests were performed using the click evoked otoacoustic emission (CEOAE). RESULTS: Zinc protoporphyrin level was significantly higher in the H-Pb subgroup by 68%. Cd concentration was significantly higher in H-Pb by 33%. The Ca concentration was significantly lower in the H-Pb by - 2%. Selected oxidative stress markers concentration were significantly higher in the H-Pb group: malondialdehyde (MDA) by 4%, and lipofuscin (LPS) by 9%. In the CEOAE results showed statistically significant differences between the L-Pb and H-Pb subgroups. Larger negative changes in otoemission amplitude were observed in H-Pb subgroup. All otoemission results showed a statistically significant negative correlation with age, time of work, MDA concentration, and with PbB. Selected CEOAE parameters showed a significant negative correlation with cadmium blood concentration (CdB), and a positive correlation with Ca and Zn. CONCLUSION: Elevated blood lead content in occupational exposure is associated with an increase in MDA and LPS concentration, which negatively correlates with CEOAE parameters. This suggests an important role of oxidative stress in the long-term deterioration of hearing.

Redox-Dependent Modulation of Human Liver Progenitor Cell Line Fate.

Redox homeostasis is determinant in the modulation of quiescence/self-renewal/differentiation of stem cell lines. The aim of this study consisted of defining the impact of redox modifications on cell fate in a human hepatic progenitor line. To achieve this, the HepaRG cell line, which shows oval ductular bipotent characteristics, was used. The impact of redox status on the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of HepaRG cells was investigated using different methodological approaches. A bioinformatic analysis initially proved that the trans-differentiation of HepaRG toward bipotent progenitors is associated with changes in redox metabolism. We then exposed confluent HepaRG (intermediate differentiation phase) to oxidized (H2O2) or reduced (N-acetylcysteine) extracellular environments, observing that oxidation promotes the acquisition of a mature HepaRG phenotype, while a reduced culture medium stimulates de-differentiation. These results were finally confirmed through pharmacological modulation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), a principal modulator of the antioxidant response, in confluent HepaRG. NRF2 inhibition led to intracellular pro-oxidative status and HepaRG differentiation, while its activation was associated with low levels of reactive species and de-differentiation. In conclusion, this study shows that both intra- and extracellular redox balance are crucial in the determination of HepaRG fate. The impact of redox status in the differentiation potential of HepaRG cells is significant on the utilization of this cell line in pre-clinical studies.

Analysis of the impact of sex and age on the variation in the prevalence of antinuclear autoantibodies in Polish population: a nationwide observational, cross-sectional study.

The detection of antinuclear autoantibody (ANA) is dependent on many factors and varies between the populations. The aim of the study was first to assess the prevalence of ANA in the Polish adult population depending on age, sex and the cutoff threshold used for the results obtained. Second, we estimated the occurrence of individual types of ANA-staining patterns. We tested 1731 patient samples using commercially available IIFA using two cutoff thresholds of 1:100 and 1:160. We found ANA in 260 participants (15.0%), but the percentage of positive results strongly depended on the cutoff level. For a cutoff threshold 1:100, the positive population was 19.5% and for the 1:160 cutoff threshold, it was 11.7%. The most prevalent ANA-staining pattern was AC-2 Dense Fine speckled (50%), followed by AC-21 Reticular/AMA (14.38%) ANA more common in women (72%); 64% of ANA-positive patients were over 50 years of age. ANA prevalence in the Polish population is at a level observed in other highly developed countries and is more prevalent in women and elderly individuals. To reduce the number of positive results released, we suggest that Polish laboratories should set 1:160 as the cutoff threshold.

Angiogenesis and lead (Pb): is there a connection?

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal ubiquitously distributed around the world, especially in industrial areas. Occupational and environmental exposures to Pb have detrimental effects on human health. Pb affects functioning of many systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular system. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which makes critical contribution throughout life is deranged in various diseases. Excessive angiogenesis may result in different diseases including cancer. On the other spectrum, insufficient angiogenesis is observed in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These disorders are also associated with occupational Pb exposure. In this paper, epidemiological and experimental studies are reviewed selectively for evidence in support of this hypothesis, that is, interactions between Pb and angiogenesis. We discuss the evidence for the possible mechanism of Pb impact on concentrations of angiogenic factors. Studies suggested that Pb exposure affects the level of angiogenic factors associated with angiogenesis regulation and promotion. Further research is needed, especially in the mechanisms in which Pb-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) disregulation is present. We believe that characterizing the connection between Pb and angiogenesis will provide helpful information for the development of intervention strategies to reduce the adverse effects of Pb exposure.

The influence of erdosteine administration on lead-induced oxidative stress in rat muscle.

Lead-exposure is known to disrupt the redox balance of tissues leading to oxidative stress. Due to the fact that a mucolytic drug, erdosteine, exerts also antioxidant properties, we decided to perform a pilot study on rats to evaluate its therapeutic potency in lead poisoning. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into the following seven groups having 10 animals in each. Group I served as the control group. During 8-week period, rats in groups II-IV, except standard alimentation, received: erdosteine in a dose 350 mg/kg (collateral control group), 1200 ppm of lead acetate in drinking water and placebo, as well as the same doses of lead and erdosteine, respectively. Rats in group V-VII received 1200 ppm of lead acetate in drinking water for the initial 6-week period and then administered: placebo, erdosteine and EDTA for 2 weeks, respectively. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly higher in groups III and V compared to the control group. The activities of catalase (CAT) were significantly higher in groups IV, V, and VI compared to the control group. The activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were significantly lower in group II and significantly higher in groups VI and VII compared to the control group, while the activities of glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly lower in group III and significantly higher in group VI. Erdosteine has an effect of protection against lead-induced oxidative stress which is not worse than that of EDTA.

Relationship between Postural Stability, Lead Content, and Selected Parameters of Oxidative Stress.

This study attempts to determine whether the increased blood lead concentration affects the posturographic test and to determine the relationship between the parameters of posture stability and selected parameters of oxidative stress. The study population consisted of 268 male employees and was divided into two equal subgroups, depending on the lead content in the blood. A posturographic examination was performed. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc protoporphyrin, selected essential elements, and selected markers of oxidative stress in the blood were tested. Higher blood lead concentrations positively affected the values of the sway results: the field and the mean velocity of the center of the feet pressure in posturography. The absolute value of the proprioception ratio was similar in both subgroups. The content of malondialdehyde shows a statistically significantly higher value in a subgroup with high blood lead concentration and exhibits significant correlations only with some of the posturography parameters. The lipofuscin content in erythrocytes correlates with the results of the posturography test. Zinc protoporphyrin, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, selected minerals, and metals did not correlate with the results of the posturography test. In conclusion, posturographic results correlate only with selected markers of oxidative stress, so it can be assumed that the effect on the body balance is only partial.

The effect of occupational chronic lead exposure on the complete blood count and the levels of selected hematopoietic cytokines.

Associations among lead exposure, blood morphology, and cytokines influencing hematopoiesis are still inconclusive. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to demonstrate whether workers chronically exposed to lead demonstrate changes in complete blood count (CBC) parameters associated with altered levels of selected cytokines influencing hematopoiesis. The study covered 80 male subjects employed in the zinc-lead works in Miasteczko Slaskie. The subjects were divided into two groups: control group (24 healthy administration workers without a history of occupational exposure to lead compounds) and lead exposed group (56 subjects exposed to lead compounds in their work environment). The values of HTC, MCV, MCH, RDW-CV, PDW, and LMR were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the controls by 3%, 5%, 3%, 4%, 15%, and 47%, respectively. However, the levels of MCHC and MPV were higher in the exposed group than in the controls by 3% and 11%, respectively. Analogically, the values of MXD and MXD% were also significantly higher by 118% and 70%, respectively. The concentration of IL-7 was significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the controls by 143%. In this study, chronic lead exposure in the occupational setting at levels <50 µg/dl does not affect RBC count and hemoglobin level but decreases MCV and hematocrit. Similarly, chronic lead toxicity does not affect WBC count but alters proportions of different types of leukocytes with significant increase of MXD count associated with elevated level of IL-7. Oppositely to a short-term lead exposure, chronic lead exposure elevates MPV and does not alter PLT count.

The association between occupational lead exposure and serum levels of selected soluble receptors.

The present study was designed to evaluate soluble receptors as potential targets for lead (Pb). Analyses included the serum levels of soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 2 (sVEGFR-2), soluble Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (sEGFR), soluble Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (sHER-2/neu), and soluble Interleukin 6 Receptors (sIL-6R) in the groups of chronically and subchronically occupationally exposed workers. The first group consisted of 56 male workers chronically exposed to Pb. The second group (control) comprised 24 male administrative workers. The third group included 36 male workers exposed to Pb for 40 ± 3 days. Examined subjects were employed in the Pb-zinc works to perform periodic maintenance of blast furnaces and production lines. The serum levels of sHER-2/neu and sIL-6R were significantly lower in the group of workers chronically exposed to Pb compared to control values by 45% ( p < 0.05) and 44% ( p < 0.05), respectively. The values of sVEGFR-2 and sEGFR decreased after a subchronic exposure to Pb compared to baseline by 14% ( p < 0.05) and 21% ( p < 0.05), respectively. At the same time, the levels of sIL-6R also decreased by 14% ( p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that both chronic and subchronic occupational Pb exposures resulted in decreased levels of several soluble receptors (sVEGFR-2, sEGFR, sHER-2/neu, and sIL-6R), probably due to Pb-induced modulations of the transcription factors and metalloprotease activities, that are necessary for soluble receptor synthesis.

A 2000 patient retrospective assessment of a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment.

Infections in burn patients are still the principal cause of complications in burn injuries. The aim of this study is to assess a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment in the experience of the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Slaskie. The applied methodology involved the analysis of patient records describing the hospital's epidemiological situation between 2014 and 2016. The analysis also included the use and cost of antibiotics, silver-containing dressings, and other antiseptics relative to the number of sepsis cases, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the mortality ratio. The total costs of prevention and treatment of infections were reduced, while the use of silver-containing dressings and antiseptics increased. The number of patients with sepsis decreased, including cases caused by P. aeruginosa, and the mortality ratio was reduced. Introducing a strategy for burn wound-oriented infection prevention and treatment in burn patients provides a number of benefits. It is also cost-effective. Using locally applied active dressings and antiseptics can be a welcome choice for often-unnecessary antibiotic therapy of a suspected or existing burn wound infection.

The analysis of blood lead levels changeability over the 5-year observation in workers occupationally exposed to lead.

The aim of the present study was to compare a group of workers with stable lead levels with a group of workers with fluctuating lead levels in terms of selected hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters. The examined group included male workers occupationally exposed to lead. Blood lead (PbB) levels were measured every 3 months during the 5-year observation. Based on standard deviation of mean PbB levels, the examined population was divided into two groups: low level of fluctuation (L-SD) and high level of fluctuation (H-SD) groups. The mean and maximal PbB levels were significantly higher in the H-SD group than in the L-SD group by 9 and 22%, respectively. At the same time, the maximal level of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and standard deviation of mean ZPP level were higher in the H-SD group by 29 and 55%, respectively. The maximal level of hemoglobin and white blood cell (WBC) count as well as standard deviation of the mean hemoglobin level and WBC count were higher in the H-SD group by 2, 8, 58, and 24%, respectively. The expression of nuclear factor kappa-B1 gene and telomerase reverse transcriptase gene was significantly greater in the H-SD group than in the L-SD group by 11 and 28%, respectively. Workers occupationally exposed to lead do not represent a homogenous population. Some present stable lead levels, whereas others have fluctuating lead levels. These fluctuations are related to secondary changes in ZPP and hemoglobin levels as well as WBC count.

A new option for definitive burn wound closure - pair matching type of retrospective case-control study of hand burns in the hospitalised patients group in the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Centre for Burn Treatment between 2009 and 2015.

Nearly 80% of all burns include the hands of affected individuals. Skin grafting is the gold standard in burns treatment, but in the case of the burn wound bed, it may require the necessity of utilising skin substitutes to facilitate closure. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a porcine-derived wound dressing (Oasis™) for application to hand burns compared to a synthetic dressing (Suprathel™). Comparative assessments were made, including the time to heal, quality of healing and pain intensity. A retrospective, unblinded, matching pair case-control of hand burns was performed. A control group of 24 patients was treated with Suprathel dressing, and a study group of six patients underwent application of the Oasis dressing. The wound healing process was evaluated by taking histopathological specimens and also utilising the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. A 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. Other parameters measured included dressing loss because of infection and the need of rehabilitation. The progress of wound healing on the fourth day in the study group was 30%. A decrease in the level of pain was recorded on the fourth day after surgery. There was a decrease of 5% in the risk of rehabilitation in the treatment group.

Association between subchronic and chronic lead exposure and levels of antioxidants and chemokines.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the influence of lead on the non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and the levels of chemokines in workers subchronically and chronically exposed to lead. METHODS: The study population was divided into three groups. The first group consisted of male workers subchronically exposed to lead for 40 ± 3.2 days, while the second group included male workers chronically exposed to lead. The third group was a control group. RESULTS: The levels of uric acid and bilirubin were significantly higher after a subchronic exposure to lead compared to the baseline by 22 and 35 %, respectively. Similarly, the values of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) increased by 15, 50, and 33 %, respectively. At the same time, the levels of thiol groups and albumin decreased by 5 and 8 %, respectively. Additionally, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß (MIP-1ß) were significantly higher after a subchronic exposure to lead compared to the baseline by 34 and 20 %, respectively. Moreover, IL-8 level was significantly higher by 40 % in the group of workers chronically exposed to lead than in the control group, while the level of interferon gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10) was significantly lower by 28 %. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to chronic lead exposure, subchronic exposure to lead is associated with elevated blood levels of uric acid and bilirubin in humans. This probably results in increased TAC value despite thiol depletion. However, the compensatory activation of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses seems to be insufficient to protect against lead-induced oxidative stress, which may be additively enhanced by the pro-inflammatory action of chemokines, especially IL-8.

Telomere length, telomerase expression, and oxidative stress in lead smelters.

The negative health effects caused by lead (Pb) exposure are widely recognized; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of occupational Pb exposure on telomere length and to investigate the potential mechanisms leading to telomere shortening. A cohort of 334 male Pb smelters (exposed group) and 60 age-adjusted males unexposed to Pb (control group) were examined. Assessments of relative telomere length (rTL) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene expression were performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. Assessments of whole blood Pb (B-Pb) and whole blood cadmium (B-Cd) concentrations and serum selenium concentration (S-Se) were performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. We analyzed total oxidation status (TOS), lipid hydroperoxides (LHPs), malonylodialdehyde levels in serum (MDA) and in erythrocyte hemolysates (MDA-hgb), and 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG). The Pb-exposed group had higher B-Pb values and shorter rTL than the control group. The arithmetic mean values calculated for B-Pb were 33 µg/dL versus 2.2 µg/dL (p < 0.0001), and the rTL values were 0.928 and 1.126 relative units (p = 0.001), respectively, for the Pb-exposed and control groups. The rTL was found to gradually shorten in response to the increasing levels of Pb exposure. The Pb-exposed group also demonstrated a higher level of oxidative stress than the control group, which was indicated by increased TOS and MDA-hgb values. rTL was negatively associated with parameters that indicated increased oxidative stress, including TOS (Spearman's rank coefficient (rS) = -0.16; p < 0.01) and MDA-hgb (rS = -0.17; p < 0.001). No correlations were found between rTL and B-Cd and S-Se or smoking and MDA and LHP levels. Univariate analysis indicated that B-Pb was associated with decreased rTL (ß =-0.0041; p = 0.0063) and that the association between B-Pb and rTL remained significant, even when adjusting for age (ß = -0.0041; p = 0.0065) and in multivariable-adjusted model (ß = -0.0042; p = 0.0063). In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure resulted in decreased rTL and may represent a mechanism that contributes to Pb-related diseases.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.

Environmental exposure to lead induces oxidative stress and modulates the function of the antioxidant defense system and the immune system in the semen of males with normal semen profile.

We investigated the associations between environmental exposure to lead and a repertoire of cytokines in seminal plasma of males with normal semen profile according to the WHO criteria. Based on the median lead concentration in seminal plasma, 65 samples were divided into two groups: low (LE) and high exposure to lead (HE). Differences in semen volume and the pH, count, motility and morphology of sperm cells were not observed between the examined groups. The total oxidant status value and the level of protein sulfhydryl groups as well as the activities of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly higher in the HE group, whereas the total antioxidant capacity value and the activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase were depressed. IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the HE group compared with the LE group. Environmental exposure to lead is sufficient to induce oxidative stress in seminal plasma and to modulate antioxidant defense system.

The effect of occupational lead exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose-response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels.

The metabolism of carbohydrates and lipid peroxidation in lead-exposed workers.

The present study was undertaken to estimate the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the blood concentration of glucose and several enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. To estimate the degree of lipid peroxidation, the concentrations of conjugated dienes were determined. The examined group included 145 healthy male employees of lead-zinc works. Taking into account the mean blood lead levels, the examined group was divided into two subgroups. The control group was composed of 36 healthy male administrative workers. The markers of lead exposure were significantly elevated in both subgroups when compared with the controls. There were no significant changes in fasting glucose concentration and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase activity in the study population. The concentration of conjugated dienes was significantly higher in both subgroups, whereas the activity of malate dehydrogenase was significantly higher only in the group with higher exposure. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were significantly decreased in the examined subgroups. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in the group with higher exposure and could be the cause of the elevated concentrations of conjugated dienes. It is possible to conclude that lead interferes with carbohydrate metabolism, but compensatory mechanisms seem to be efficient, as glucose homeostasis in lead-exposed workers was not disturbed.

Cobalt's role in modulating antioxidant systems and semen quality in males.

The present study investigated associations between environmental exposure to cobalt (Co) and the levels of oxidative stress parameters and the antioxidant defense system in the seminal plasma of fertile males. The study population consisted of 117 healthy, non-smoking, fertile men from the southern region of Poland. The study was carried out in 2021-22. Based on the median cobalt levels in seminal plasma, subjects were divided into two groups: those with low (Co-L) and high (Co-H) cobalt concentrations. Semen parameters assessed according to WHO 2021 recommendations. After the analysis of spermiograms, observed reduction in progressive motility after 1 h was found in the Co-H group. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the Co-H group had lower activity and GR higher activity. The OSI (Oxidative stress index) were higher in the group with high cobalt concentration in semen. The concentrations of redox balance parameters: TOS, TAC and OSI significantly were higher in the Co-high group as well as GR activity. Environmental exposure to cobalt decreases sperm motility in both normal and abnormal semen. The findings from this study affirm that cobalt can induce oxidative stress and alter oxidative stress markers in semen.

Lead-elevated activity of xanthine oxidase in lead-exposed workers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to explore the connection between lead toxicity and the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO). In addition, we indicated the uric acid (UA) and creatinine levels and concentration of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) to estimate oxidative stress intensity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of 125 healthy male employees of zinc and lead works. The examined group was divided into tertiles according to blood lead levels. In the collected blood samples, concentrations of lead-exposure indices, UA, creatinine, and MDA as well as activity of XO were measured concomitantly. The control group consisted of 32 healthy male administrative workers who were exposed to lead only environmentally. RESULTS: XO activity and MDA level were significantly elevated in all tertiles compared to the control group. Creatinine level was significantly elevated in the medium and high tertiles. However, the level of UA was significantly elevated in the high tertile, while in the low and medium tertile only a tendency toward higher values was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to lead induces activity of XO. 'lhis induction may contribute to the observed simultaneously increased oxidative stress, measured as MDA level, and the increased level of UA.

Sarcopenia Is Associated with Changes in Circulating Markers of Antioxidant/Oxidant Balance and Innate Immune Response.

(1) Background: The involvement of redox balance alterations and innate immunity is suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. This investigation aimed to define and relate modifications in circulating markers of redox homeostasis and the innate immune response in human sarcopenia. (2) Methods: A total of 32 subjects aged >65 years old and affected by sarcopenia according to the second "European Working Group on sarcopenia in older people" guidelines were compared with 40 non-sarcopenic age-matched controls. To assess systemic redox homeostasis, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) blood glutathione and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA)- and 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (HNE)-protein adducts were measured. Immune cells and circulating interleukins were determined to compare the innate immune response between both groups. (3) Results: Impaired redox balance in sarcopenic patients, characterized by a high blood GSSG/GSH ratio and plasma MDA/HNE-protein adducts, was sustained by reduced antioxidants in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, sarcopenic patients showed higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) with respect to non-sarcopenic patients. Linear regression analysis resulted in a strong association between redox balance and immune response markers in the sarcopenic group. (4) Conclusions: These results support the interplay between redox homeostasis alteration and disruption of the innate immune response in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia.