Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to verify the enzymatic activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) as a possible early biomarker of renal dysfunction due to occupational exposure to inorganic lead. Materials and methods: We selected a group of 30 males that had been exposed to inorganic lead in a battery factory in the state of Paraná. This group comprised those employees whose blood lead levels were below 40 mg/dl. The control group consisted of 15 healthy adults of similar age and gender compared with the exposed group. Blood lead concentrations, d-aminolevulinic acid levels and urinary NAG activity were measured. Results and discussion: It was shown that urinary NAG activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05, U test of Mann-Whitney) in the exposed group in comparison to the control group, and there was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05, Spearman Rank Order correlation) between the biological indicator of lead exposure and urinary NAG activity. Conclusion: The results showed that the increase of urinary NAG activity may be used as an early biomarker of the exposure to inorganic lead.
Translated title of the contribution | N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase as an early biomarker of renal dysfunction due to occupational exposure to inorganic lead |
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Original language | Portuguese |
Pages (from-to) | 241-247 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Jornal Brasileiro de Patologia e Medicina Laboratorial |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biomarker
- Lead
- N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase
- Occupational health
- Urine
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Medical Laboratory Technology