Milk and Dairy Products Intake Is Associated with Low Levels of Lead (Pb) in Workers highly Exposed to the Metal

Author(s)

Gomes, Willian Robert ; Devoz, Paula Picoli ; Araujo, Marilia Ladeira ; Batista, Bruno Lemos ; Barbosa, Jr., Fernando ; Mazzaron Barcelos, Gustavo Rafael

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH; v. 178, n. 1, p. 29-35, JUL 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal, frequently associated with occupational exposure, due to its widespread use in industry and several studies have shown high Pb levels in workers occupationally exposed to the metal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of milk and dairy products (MDP) on Pb levels in blood (B-Pb), plasma (P-Pb), and urine (U-Pb), in workers from automotive battery industries in Brazil. The study included 237 male workers; information concerning diet and lifestyle were gathered through a questionnaire, and B-Pb, P-Pb, and U-Pb were determined by ICPMS. Mean B-Pb, P-Pb, and U-Pb were 21 +/- 12, 0.62 +/- 0.73 mu g/dL, and 39 +/- 47 mu g/g creatinine, respectively. Forty three percent of participants declared consuming <= 3 portions/week of MDP (classified as low-MDP intake), while 57% of individuals had >3portions/week of MDP (high-MDP intake). B-Pb and P-Pb were correlated with working time (r(s) = 0.21; r(s) = 0.20; p < 0.010). Multivariable linear regressions showed a significant influence of MDP intake on B-Pb (beta = -0.10; p = 0.012) and P-Pb (beta = -0.16; p < 0.010), while no significance was seen on U-Pb. Our results suggest that MDP consumption may modulate Pb levels in individuals highly exposed to the metal; these findings may be due to the Pb-Ca interactions, since the adverse effects of Pb are partially based on its interference with Ca metabolism and proper Ca supplementation may help to reduce the adverse health effects induced by Pb exposure. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/04786-4 - Evaluation of lead-induced oxidative stress exposure in workers of automotive battery plants
• Grantee: Willian Robert Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 14/24981-3 - Combining omics tools for predicting multivariate models in populations exposed to toxic metals
• Grantee: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 13/06033-8 - Combining omics tools for predicting multivariate models in populations exposed to toxic metals
• Grantee: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/07277-3 - Evaluation of lead exposure on the methylation pattern of promoter regions of genes associated to the metal metabolism, in workers of automotive battery industries
• Grantee: Paula Pícoli Devóz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master