Investigation of Beta-2 microglobulin Levels of Workers Who Exposed to Lead

Abstract

Lead is a common metal in environment both in nature and in industry because of common usage. Clinical, experimental and epidemiological many studies have proved that lead exposure causes renal damage. In our study we aimed to investigate the tubulary function marker urinary beta-2 microglobulin levels in workers who exposed to lead. A total number of 336 workers of different occupational groups who refered to Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital toxicology polyclinic for periodical examination were included in the study and separated into two groups; group 1(n=177) and group 2 (n=159) ; whose blood lead levels were >10µg/dL and <10µg/dL, respectively. Lead levels were measured by Agilent 7700 series ICP-MS device, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were analyzed by Vitros 5.1 FS device, beta-2 microglobulin levels in 24 hours urine were estimated by micro-ELISA method. SPSS for Windows 18 version was used for statistical analysis. Significance between groups was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Even though 24 hours urine beta-2 microglobulin median levels in the group 1 were higher than the group 2, there was not a statistically significant difference between groups (median: 0.23, 0.21, respectively p=0.713). No significant difference was found between groups by means of serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (p=0.365; p=0.130 respectively). As a conclusion we did not find a significant difference in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and in beta-2 microglobulin levels in lead exposure.