Gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood cells of workers who were occupationally exposed to lead

In this study, we sought to understand the influence of occupational lead-exposure on the gene expression (Sod1) and activity (SOD) of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, Gpx1) in leukocytes and erythrocytes. The study group consisted of 45 healthy male employees of a lead-zinc works and was divided into two subgroups: those with low exposure to lead (LE) and those with high exposure to lead (HE). In addition, 17 healthy male administrative workers participated in the study as the control group. The gene expression levels of both Sod1 and Gpx1 were significantly increased in the LE group as compared to the control group. By contrast, we noted only an insignificant tendency for increased gene expression of both Sod1 and Gpx1 in the HE group. The expression and activity of catalase were unchanged. Nevertheless, SOD and GPx activities in erythrocytes was significantly elevated in both examined subgroups, whereas SOD activity in leukocytes was raised only in the LE group. The results of this study led us to conclude that lead has a significant influence not only on the activities of antioxidant enzymes but also on the dose-dependent expression in their genes.