Evaluation of lead-induced oxidative stress exposure in workers of automotive battery plants

Abstract

Previous data in the literature suggest that exposure to lead (Pb) results in disorders of cellular redox status leading to oxidative stress and consequently, may cause damage to macromolecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. However, most of the work was performed in vitro or in animals models and very little is known about the possible adverse effects related to disturbances of the redox status in humans. The biochemical interactions of Pb with -SH groups are considered one of the most importante toxic mechanisms, since the metal can bind to various endogenous antioxidants such as, for example, the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) and the enzymes glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and reductase ( GR). Thus, this project aims to evaluate the possible adverse effects induced by exposure to Pb in workers of automotive batteries exposed to metal, in Paraná State, Brazil, by determining the blood concentrations of GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes GPx, GR, glutathione synthase (GS) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). To this end, metal concentrations will be determined in whole blood by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the determination of GSH and the activities of enzymes GPx, GR, GS and GST will be carried out by spectrophotometry. Thus, it is expected that the results that will be obtained assist for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the toxicity induced by exposure to the metal.