Correlation between lead exposure indicators and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies in lymphocytes from inorganic lead exposed workers

Inorganic lead exposure was studied in 31 volunteers employed in storage battery plant. The genotoxicity of lead was measured in terms of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). Erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase (ALAD) activity, urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (U-ALA), and blood lead levels (PbBs) were also determined to evaluate some possible relations between these lead exposure indicators and the observed SCE frequencies. Blood lead concentration of 36.31 microg/dl was determined as an average level in the workers. Consequently decreased ALAD activity in erythrocytes and increased U-ALA excretion was observed in statistically higher PbBs when compared with the control group. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the PbBs and SCE frequencies (p < 0.05). Moreover, the correlation between U-ALA excretion and SCE frequencies (p < 0.01) was relatively higher than the correlation between PbBs and SCE frequencies. These results might indicate a possible mechanism of ALA mediation in the genotoxic effects of lead.