Environmental exposure to lead and oxidative stress biomarkers among healthy children in La Plata, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction. Environmental exposure to lead is still a major public health problem, especially in children. Oxidative stress may be a primary mechanism associated with toxicity. The objectiveofthisstudywastomeasurebloodlead levels(BLLs)inchildrenaged1to6yearsexposed to lead in La Plata and suburban areas and their relation to oxidative stress biomarkers. Population and methods. Cross-sectional, analyticalstudy.Clinicallyhealthychildrenaged 1 to 6 years were analyzed. BLLs, antioxidant enzymeactivity, andextentoflipidperoxidation were measured. The statistical software package R, version 3.5.1, was used. Results. A total of 131 children participated; their median age was 2.33 years. The geometric mean of BLLs was 1.90 µg/dL; 32% showed a measurable BLL and 3%, BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL (international reference). The comparison of oxidative stress biomarkers based on BLLs showed a significant difference in median thiobarbituricacidreactivesubstances(TBARS): 12.0 versus 10.0 nmol MDA/mL of plasma; p = 0.02. In addition, the correlation between BLLsandTBARSwaspositive(r=0.24;p=0.012). Conclusions. Most children had a BLL below the limit recommended by international agencies; although such BLLs do not affect antioxidant enzyme activity, they can induce lipidperoxidation.Theseresultsdemonstratethe usefulnessofthisbiomarkerasanearlydiagnosis tool to assess subtoxic lead effects.