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Activated carbon fabrics (ACF) mask prevents the absorption of lead and reduce its adverse effects of human health. Aim of this study to know the blood lead level and its effects on heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters after using 2 months activated carbon fabric mask of battery manufacturing workers (BMW). Blood lead level, heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters were measured by using standard method. Blood lead level (P < 0.001, - 13.5%) was significantly decreased, activated δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 11.97%) and non-activated δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 23.17%) enzyme activity were significantly increased, however, the ratio of activated to Non-activated δ- ALAD (P < 0.001, - 10.13%) was significantly decreased, urinary excretion of δ- aminolevulinic acid (P < 0.001, - 10.49%) and porphobilinogen (P < 0.001, - 7.38%) were significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Hematological parameters i.e Hb (P < 0.05, 13.42%), PCV (P < 0.05, 7.23%), MCV (P < 0.05, 1.9%) were significantly increased and total WBC count (P < 0.05, - 5.18%) was significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Two months using ACF mask reduces the blood lead level and improves the δ-ALDH activity and hematological parameters, decreases the urinary excretion of δ-ALA, PBG of battery manufacturing workers. Therefore, the regular using of ACF mask is beneficial to prevent the lead absorption and its adverse effects on human health.

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BACKGROUND: Nickel activates the signaling pathways through the oxygen sensing mechanism and the signaling cascades that control hypoxia-inducible transcriptional gene expressions through oxidative stress. This review emphasizes on the recent updates of nickel toxicities on oxidant and antioxidant balance, molecular interaction of nickel and its signal transduction through low oxygen microenvironment in the in-vivo physiological system. DISCUSSION: Nickel alters intracellular chemical microenvironment by increasing ionized calcium concentration, lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase, constitutive nitric oxide synthase, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α, caspases, complement activation, heat shock protein 70 kDa and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. The oxidative stress induced by nickel is responsible for the progression of metastasis. It has been observed that nickel exposure induces the generation of reactive oxygen species which leads to the increased expression of p53, NF-kß, AP-1, and MAPK. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) prevents lipid peroxidation, oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and advanced oxidation protein products. The mechanism involves that vitamin C is capable of reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron in the duodenum, thus the availability of divalent ferrous ion increases which competes with nickel (a divalent cation itself) and reduces its intestinal absorption and nickel toxicities. CONCLUSION: Reports suggested the capability of ascorbic acid as a regulatory factor to influence gene expression, apoptosis and other cellular functions of the living system exposed to heavy metals, including nickel.

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INTRODUCTION: The high blood lead level induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers. Supplementation of vitamin C is beneficial to reduce the oxidative stress and to improve the antioxidant status of these workers. AIM: The main aim of this study was to observe the changes in blood lead levels, oxidative stress i.e. serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant status parameters such as erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase and serum nitrite after the vitamin C supplementation in battery manufacturing workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 36 battery manufacturing workers from Western Maharashtra, India, having age between 20-60 years. All study group subjects were provided vitamin C tablets (500 mg/day for one month) and a blood sample of 10 ml each was drawn by puncturing the anterior cubital vein before and after vitamin C supplementation. The biochemical parameters were estimated by using the standard methods. RESULTS: Blood lead levels were not significantly altered, however, serum lipid peroxide (p<0.001, -15.56%) and serum nitrite (p<0.001, -21.37%) levels showed significant decrease and antioxidant status parameters such as erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (p<0.001, 38.02%) and catalase (p<0.001, 32.36%) revealed significant increase in battery manufacturing workers after the supplementation of vitamin C. CONCLUSION: One month vitamin C supplementation in battery manufacturing workers is not beneficial to decrease the blood lead levels. However, it is helpful to reduce the lipid peroxidation and nitrite formation and enhances the erythrocytes superoxide dismutase and catalase activity.

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BACKGROUND: Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil, drinking water, and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not lead to acute lead toxicity but produces subtle effects particularly in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases in Western Maharashtra, India, and to estimate the blood lead level by liver and kidney function tests and hematological parameters in children with neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward and compare them with healthy controls. METHODS: In this study, 30 children with various neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four milliliters of venous blood was collected for estimation of blood lead level, and biochemical and hematological parameters were determined using standard methods. RESULTS: Blood lead level was significantly increased in the study group (p<0.01, 65.38%) compared to that in the control group. When different neurological conditions were grouped into three groups according to blood lead levels, there was a significant difference between the groups. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were not significantly altered in the study group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologically challenged children are more vulnerable to lead intoxication. It is imperative for the parents to take extra care of their children's food habits and limit hand-to-mouth activities to prevent lead intoxication.

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Lead is one of the most widely scattered toxic metals in the environment and used by mankind for over 9,000 years. Lead in the environment may be derived from natural or anthropogenic sources. In humans, lead can cause a wide range of biological effects depending upon the level and duration of exposure. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of lead exposure on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D and examine the overall effect of all these parameters on the bone mineral density of battery manufacture workers. For this study ninety battery manufacture workers were selected and divided in three groups depending upon duration of lead exposure. Group I-workers with duration of lead exposure 1-5 years, Group II-workers with duration of lead exposure 6-10 years and Group III-workers with duration of lead exposure more than 10 years. Each group consisted of thirty workers. Thirty age matched healthy control subjects were taken for comparison. Demographic, occupational and clinical data were collected by using questionnaire and interview. The venous blood samples were collected from the study groups and normal healthy control group. At the time of blood collection random urine samples were collected in amber coloured bottles. The biochemical parameters were estimated by using standard assay procedures. Statistical analysis of the data was done using independent student't' test for parametric variables. Values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). P values of 0.05 or less were considered to be statistically significant. The blood lead levels and urinary lead levels of all workers were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in proportion to the duration of lead exposure as compared to controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly raised (P < 0.001) in all three study groups of battery manufacture workers as compared to controls. Serum Calcium, Ionized calcium, phosphorus were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in all the three study groups. Serum vitamin D levels were lowered (P < 0.01) and serum PTH was increased (P < 0.01) in workers as compared to controls. The results of this study clearly indicate that the absorption of lead is more in these workers which adversely affects blood pressure, disturbs calcium and phosphorus metabolism which further impairs mineralization of bone resulting in decreased bone mineral density observed in these workers. Lead toxicity is still persistent in battery manufacture workers though they are using sophisticated techniques in these industries. There is a need to protect the workers from the health hazards of occupational lead exposure.

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The aim of this study was to see the biochemical effects of pesticides on sprayers of grape gardens before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementations in Western Maharashtra (India), who were occupationally exposed to various pesticides over a long period of time (about 5 to 15 years). Blood samples were collected from all study group subjects for biochemical parameters assays before and after 15 days of vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens were given 400 mg of vitamin E tablet/day for 15 days. After 15 days of vitamin E supplementation to sprayers of grape gardens, we observed significantly decreased aspartate transaminase (10.88 %, P < 0.05, r = 0.88), alanine transaminase (25.92 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.46) and total proteins (3.32 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.33), whereas, no statistically significant change was found in serum acetyl cholinesterase, C-reactive proteins, albumin (ALB), globulins and ALB/globulin ratio as compared to before vitamin E supplementation. Sprayers of grape gardens, who received vitamin E supplementation, showed significantly decreased serum lipid peroxide (LP) (18.75 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.63) and significantly increased RBC-superoxide dismutase (SOD) (12.88 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.85), RBC-Catalase (CAT) (24.49 %, P < 0.001, r = 0.70), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) (4.6 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.80), serum zinc (4.57 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.83) and serum copper (4.37 %, P < 0.01, r = 0.79) as compared to values before vitamin E supplementation. These results showed that vitamin E supplementation has ameliorating effects on these transaminase enzymes, suggesting that it may have a protective effect on liver, from pesticides induced damage. In this study vitamin E supplementation might have decreased LP levels by breaking chain reaction of lipid peroxidation. Present results indicate that vitamin E plays a crucial role in restoring the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and CP, in population exposed to pesticides. This helps to enhance its antioxidant ability. Therefore, it is suggested that farmers, pesticide applicators, workers in the pesticide industry and other pesticide users, who come in regular contact with pesticides, may be benefited by supplementation with vitamin E.

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The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of lead exposure on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heme biosynthesis related and hematological parameters of automobile workers. For this study 30 automobile workers were selected and compared with 30 age matched healthy control subjects. Significantly increased blood lead (364%, P < 0.001) and urinary lead (176%, P < 0.001) levels were observed in automobile workers (study group) as compared to controls. Systolic blood pressure (5.32%, P < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (5.87%, P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the automobile workers as compared to controls. The significantly decreased non-activated erythrocyte δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) (-18.51%, P < 0.01) and activated δ-ALAD (-13.29%, P < 0.05) levels were observed in automobile workers as compared to normal healthy control subjects. But the ratio of activated/non-activated δ-ALAD was significantly increased (43.83%, P < 0.001) in automobile workers as compared to controls. Excretions of δ-aminolevulinic acid (83.78%, P < 0.001) and porphobilinogen (37%, P < 0.001) in urine were significantly increased in the study group as compared to the controls. In automobile workers heamoglobin (-11.51%, P < 0.001), hematocrit (-4.06%, P < 0.05), mean corpuscle volume (-3.34%, P < 0.05), mean corpuscle hemoglobin (-5.66%, P < 0.01), mean corpuscle hemoglobin concentration (-7.67%, P < 0.001), red blood cell count (-14.6%, P < 0.001) were significantly decreased and total white blood cell count (11.44%, P < 0.05) increased as compared to the controls. The results of this study clearly indicate that the absorption of lead is more in automobile workers and it affects on blood pressure, heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters observed in this study group.

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We compared hematologic parameters and liver and kidney function tests in occupationally exposed pesticide sprayers of grape gardens (n = 60) and normal healthy participants (n = 30), 20-45 years of age, in Western Maharashtra (India). Venous blood samples were collected from both groups. Compared with control participants, sprayers showed the following-significantly increased serum C reactive protein (117.6%), liver function marker enzymes-serum aspartate transaminase (57%), alanine transaminase (37.4%), alkaline phosphatase (16.9%), serum bilirubin (41.8%), creatinine (18.4%), blood glucose (11.4%), and urea (13.%); and decreased acetyl cholinesterase activity (30.9%) and serum cholesterol (12.12%). Serum total protein, globulin, and the A/G ratio were not significantly altered, however, but serum albumin decreased slightly (3.3%, P <.05). Compared with the control group, hematologic parameters significantly decreased in sprayers-hemoglobin (6.9%), hematocrit (3%), mean corpuscular volume (3.8%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (4.5%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (5.8%), and red blood cell count (7.7%), whereas the white blood cell count increased (18.2%). The decreased serum acetyl cholinesterase value indicates a high degree of pesticides absorption, which leads to impairment of liver and kidney functions and slightly altered hematologic parameters in the occupationally exposed pesticides sprayers of grape gardens studied here.

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OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase system in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase was studied using different dosages, durations and sex. Microsomes were isolated using the calcium precipitation method. The levels of cytochrome P(450) , and cytochrome b(5) were determined using extinction coefficient of 91 and 85 mM(-1) respectively. The activities of drug metabolizing enzymes, hemoglobin content, liver function enzymes, and serum cholinesterase activity were assayed by using standard methods. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of methomyl (4 mg/kg body weight) showed significant decrease in the level of cytochrome P(450) , and the activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase on the third day of the treatment. Methomyl (4 mg/kg) treatment of old male rat and adult female rat also showed a decrease in the level of cytochrome P(450) , and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. The serum samples from methomyl treated rats (male and female), when analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) as markers of the liver toxicity, showed significant increase in the activity. The activities of SGPT and SGOT were significantly higher in the treated rats (2 and 4 mg/kg) than in the control group. A significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin and serum cholinesterase activity was observed, when there was an increase in the dose level. A significant increase was observed in alkaline phosphatase activity at all dose levels. CONCLUSION: Methomyl influences mixed function oxidase and creates abnormality of liver functions in the rats. This effect depends on the dose and duration of methomyl.

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We studied liver and kidney function tests of occupational lead exposed Battery Manufacturing Workers (BMW) (n = 30), Silver Jewelry Workers (SJW) (n = 30), and Spray Painters (SP) (n = 35) and normal healthy subjects (n = 35), all 20 to 40 years of age, in Western Maharashtra (India). Venous blood and random urine samples were collected from all groups. The blood lead (Pb-B) and urinary lead (Pb-U) levels were significantly increased in all experimental groups, except urinary lead excretion in SJW as compared with the controls. Liver functions tests parameters (serum transaminase enzymes SGOT, AST, SGPT, ALT) activities were significantly increased only in SP; no alteration was noticed in BMW and SJW as compared with the control group. Serum total protein levels were significantly decreased in all three experimental groups as compared with control subjects. Serum albumin concentrations were significantly decreased in SJW, SP, and increased in BMW. The serum globulin levels, however, were significantly decreased, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was increased in BMW and SJW as compared with the control. The bilirubin level was significantly increased only in BMW. Blood urea was significantly increased only in BMW, and blood urea and serum uric acid were decreased in SJW. The serum creatinine level was not significantly altered in any experimental groups. Increased Pb-B values in all experimental groups indicate the greater rate of lead absorption and impairment of liver and kidney functions in all three types of occupational lead-exposed workers of Western Maharashtra (India).

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The aim of this study was to estimate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in erythrocytes and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma of battery manufacturing workers (BMW) of Western Maharashtra (India) who were occupationally exposed to lead (Pb) over a long period of time (about 15 years). This study was also aimed to determine the Pb intoxication resulted in a disturbance of heme biosynthesis in BMW group. The blood Pb level of BMW group (n = 28) was found to be in the range of 25.8 - 78.0 microg/dL (mean + SD, 53.63 + 16.98) whereas in Pb unexposed control group (n = 35) the range was 2.8 - 22.0 microg/dL (mean + SD, 12.52 + 4.08). The blood level (Pb-B) and urinary lead level (Pb-U) were significantly increased in BMW group as compared to unexposed control. Though activated d- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activities in BMW group did not show any significant change when compared to control group but activated / non activated erythrocyte - ALAD activities in BMW group showed a significant increase. Erythrocyte- zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary daminolevulinic acid (ALA-U) and porphobilinogen (PBG-U) of BMW groups elevated significantly as compared to control. A positive correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) between Pb-B and ALA-U were found in BMW group but no such significant correlation (r = 0.02, p> 1.0) were observed in control group. Hematological study revealed a significant decrease of hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (%) and other blood indices and a significant increase of total leucocytes count in BMW group in comparison to control group. The serum MDA content was significantly increased (p < 0.001) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as erythrocyte- SOD (p < 0.001) and erythrocytecatalase (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in BMW group as compared to control group. A positive correlation (r = 0.45, p < 0.02) between Pb-B and serum MDA level was observed in BMW group (Pb-B range 25.8 - 78.0 microg / dL) but such significant correlation did not notice in control group (Pb-B range 2.8 - 22.0 microg / dL). The study clearly showed an adverse effect of heme biosynthesis and imbalance of pro-oxidant / antioxidant status in lead exposed battery manufacturing workers resulting in increase in lipid peroxidation associated with decrease in erythrocyte-SOD and erythrocyte-catalase activities.

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This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood lead (Lead) on heme biosynthesis, the hematopoietic system, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of silver jewelry workers (SJW) in western Maharastra (India). The blood lead level of the SJW group (N = 30) was in the range of 30.2-64.7 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 48.56 +/- 7.39 microg dL(-1)), whereas that of non-occupational Lead-exposed normal healthy control subjects (N = 35) was 2.8-22.0 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 12.52 +/- 4.08 microg dL(-1)). Although the blood lead level of the SJW group increased significantly (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group, the urinary excretion of lead in the SJW group was not altered. In the SJW group, non-activated delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the ratio of activated/non-activated ALAD increased when compared with controls (p < 0.001), whereas activated ALAD activity was not altered significantly. Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) was not altered in SJW. The urinary excretion of delta-amino-levulinic acid (p < 0.001) and porpobilinogen (p < 0.05) of the SJW group increased significantly when compared with controls. Hematology parameters, such as the packed cell volume (p < .001) and total erythrocyte count (p < 0.05) significantly decreased, whereas the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p <.001) and total white blood cell count (p < .001) increased in the SJW group in comparison with controls. The serum malondialdehyde content significantly increased (p < .001), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes erythrocyte-SOD (p < .001), erythrocyte catalase (p < .05), and plasma ceruloplasmin (p < .001) significantly decreased in the SJW group compared with the controls. The results of the study clearly show an alteration of heme biosynthesis and cellular impairment of the pro-oxidants/antioxidants balance, resulting in oxidative damage in the silver jewelry workers group in western Maharashtra (India).

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A total of 85 healthy male pesticide sprayers in grape garden exposed to different class of pesticides for 3 to 10 years were compared with 75 controls matched for age with respect to serum cholinesterase, serum total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, hematological parameters such as Hb, Hct, RBC and serum lipid peroxidation. Serum lipid peroxidation was estimated in the form of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) produced. Significant decrease was observed in serum cholinesterase, serum total proteins, albumin and hematological parameters viz. Hb, Hct and RBC. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation, AST, ALT, was observed in exposed group when compared with control. These results suggest that the long term exposure of various pesticides on sprayers of grape garden affect liver, heme biosynthesis and decrease serum cholinesterase.