Impact of exposure to lead (Pb) on the expression profile of genes related to metal metabolism in occupationally exposed individuals

Abstract

There are wide variations in the concentrations of the biomarkers and toxicity related to lead (Pb), despite similar levels of exposure and this is hypothetically related genetic differences in the enzymes that metabolize metal. However, very little is known about the genetic effects on metabolism and toxicity induced by Pb. Therefore, this project aims to assess the gene-metal interactions in workers exosed to Pb in automotive batteries factory. For such, concentrations Pb will be determined in blood (Pb-B), plasma (Pb-P) and urine (U-Pb) by using a mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). The evaluation of genes related to the metabolism of the metal, VDR, SLC11A2, HFE, MT2a, ALAD, GCLM, GSS, GSR, GPx1, GGT1 and GSTP1, will be performed by qPCR (SYBR Green) and Western Blotting in order to verify the possible effects of metal exposure on expression of genes related to Pb-metabolism. Thus, it is expected that the results obtained will contribute in a better understanding of the several Pb-gene interactions.