Occupational Lead Exposure Linked to Lower Testosterone and Endothelial Dysfunction

Lead-exposed workers had significantly higher blood lead levels (BLLs) and lower total testosterone, alongside reduced arginine/ADMA ratios, indicating endothelial dysfunction.

This case-control study compared 120 male workers with occupational lead exposure to 120 unexposed controls to investigate effects on testosterone and the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway.

The abstract suggests routine biomonitoring for workers in high-risk occupations to detect early signs of lead toxicity and its impact.

This was a case-control study involving 120 lead-exposed male workers from battery manufacturing and foundries, compared to 120 unexposed controls. Blood samples were analyzed using ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS.