Assessment of Thyroid Function and Oxidative Stress State in Foundry Workers Exposed to Lead

Background. Exposure to lead (Pb) has been associated with endocrine, hematological, gastrointestinal, renal and neurological problems in humans. However, effects on the thyroid gland are controversial. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess thyroid function in foundry workers occupationally exposed to Pb and the mechanism of oxidative-antioxidant imbalance. Methods. Thyroid function parameters and markers of oxidative stress were examined in 59 adult males who had been occupationally exposed to Pb. The results were then compared to those of 28 male subjects who had no history of Pb exposure or thyroid abnormalities and served as a control group. Results. Mean blood lead levels (16.5±1.74 μg/dl) were significantly higher among the exposed workers compared to those of the control group (12.8±1.16 μg/dl, (p <0.001)). The exposed group had significantly increased free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and significantly decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (1.77±0.44 μIU/ml), whereas the control group had a TSH level of 2.61±0.94 μIU/ml (p< 0.0001). A state of oxidative stress was indicated by the significant increase in mean levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.358, p <0.05) between blood lead levels (BLL) and duration of employment, while BLL showed a significant negative correlation with TSH (r =−0.486, p <0.001), and GSH (r =−0.336, p <0.05). Of the occupationally exposed workers, 32.76% had elevated thyroid hormones. The results showed a significant positive relationship between GSH and TSH (β coefficient=0.274, p < 0.05), MDA with FT3 (β coefficient=0.355, p < 0.05) and FT4 (β coefficient = 0.491, p < 0.0001) among exposed workers. Conclusions. Workers exposed to Pb dust proved to be at risk for hyperthyroidism, which was found to have a significant role in oxidative–antioxidant imbalance present among workers with increasing duration of exposure. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the National Research Centre in Egypt (NRC) under the registration number 15225. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.