Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a pathology resulting from smoking and occupational exposure to lead. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of cigarette smoking on biochemical parameters of endothelial function in people occupationally exposed to lead.
Materials and methods: The study covered 105 men, including 43 lead exposed copper-smelters (mean age 49.9 +/- 4.1) and 62 non-exposed men (mean age 47.3 +/- 9.3) formed the control group. In all subjects, peripheral blood lipid concentrations, biochemical parameters of endothelial function (nitric oxide, endothelin-1, sICAM-1, selectin-E) and inflammation parameters (interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6) were measured.
Results: In the group of smokers, including both copper-smelters and control subjects, serum nitric oxide concentrations were lower than in non-smokers. In the serum of men occupationally exposed to lead, sICAM-1 concentrations were higher than in the control group. The lack of physiological correlation between serum concentration of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 resulted from interactions of tobacco smoking with lead exposure.
Conclusions: Workers occupationally exposed to lead should be informed about adverse effects of tobacco smoking in terms of the interaction between nicotine and lead, two combined toxic agents affecting the circulatory system.