Elevated blood Lead impairs the Hematological and Heme Biosynthesis related parameters of Silver Jewellery Workers

To see the present scenario of blood lead (BPb) levels of Silver Jewellery Workers (SJW) and its effects on haematological and heme biosynthesis parameters. Forty-two SJW of having an age range of 20-45 years were included for this study and compared with 50 healthy male subjects of the same age. Blood lead, RBC δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALDH), urinary δ- aminolevulinic acid (U- δ-ALA), urinary porphobilinogen (U-PBG) and haematological parameters were measured. Blood lead level of silver jewellery workers was significantly elevated (p<0.001, 325%) and non-activated δ-ALAD (p<0.01), activated δ-ALAD (p<0.05) were notably reduced and the ratio of A/NA δ-ALAD (p<0.01) was considerably enlarged in SJW as compared to control group subjects. Urinary excretion of δ-ALA (p<0.001) and PBG (p<0.001) levels were extensively increased in SJW as compared to subjects from the control group. Hb (p<0.001), PCV (p<0.001), MCV (p<0.001), MCH (p<0.05) and RBC (p<0.001) were notably reduced in SJW, while total WBC count (p<0.001, 29.8%) was considerably elevated as compared to subjects from the control group. Conclusions: Increased BPb level in SJW indicates the more absorption of lead from the GIT, which inhibits heme biosynthesis, and alters haematological parameters.