Oxidative imbalance in biological fluids of heavy metals-exposed workers

Aim: Exposure to toxic heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb) causes respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as kidney, eye or skin damage. Given the seriousness of the respiratory changes, we analysed the impact of exposure on blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) oxidative stress markers. Material/method: 32 metal plating workers were investigated through a complex protocol including clinical examination and exposure/effect markers: urinary β2-microglobulins (B2M); oxidative stress markers: SOD, reduced (GSH) and total glutathione (GST). BALF was collected by bronchoscopy in 28% of subjects. Results: Workplace cumulative toxic index was 1.4, although air metal salts were below the TLW. 61% of exposed had emphysema, 43% had ENT diseases, and 78% excreted high rates of B2M due to kidney metal-induced damage. In the subgroup of BALF-tested subjects, blood SOD varied inversely with GSH and GST levels (r=-0.698 p Conclusions: BALF and blood oxidative stress markers could serve as potential early biomarkers of metal-induced pathology. Further studies are needed to identify the most adequate marker for lung injuries and possible links with malignant transformation.