Sex difference in free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) level: I. Sex Difference in FEP Level in Healthy Rural Residents

Abstract

FEP and other hematological parameters were measured in 157 healthy rural residents (98 females and 59 males). The mean FEP in females was higher than in males (p<0. 05); mean±sd =62.98±19.36 and 54. 57±21.20 µg/dl · pcv, respectively, although both of the means were within normal limits. There was no significant sex difference in erythrocyte ALA-D activity. Whole blood lead (Pb-B) level in females showed a tendency to be lower than in males, but there was no significant sex difference in erythrocyte lead level. The mean value of hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb) and iron in serum (Fe-S) were lower in females than in males (p><0. 01). Serum got and GPT level tended to be lower in females than in males (0. 05