Abstract

Pb exposure is a well-known risk factor for inflammation including vessels. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Pb levels of exposed workers and the severity of inflammation/endothelial dysfunction. We analyzed the correlation between blood lead level and the markers of endothelial damage. There was a significant correlation between blood lead levels and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Elevated levels of blood lead also show correlation with soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L). The strongest correlation was with sE-selectin. Association between lead exposure and markers of cardiovascular injury may help to predict cardiovascular effects of lead earlier and to protect workers who are exposed to lead.

Key words: Lead exposure, inflammation, Endothelial Dysfunction, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L)