Postlabeling analysis of DNA adducts in white blood cells from lead smelter workers

We analyzed DNA adducts levels in white blood cells from 14 lead smelter workers for the first time as an indicator of the effect of lead exposure and compared with some lead exposure indices to evaluate whether lead exposure induces DNA adducts significantly. DNA adducts were measured by the nuclease P1 enhanced 32P-postlabeling method. As the lead exposure indices, we chose blood lead (Pb-B), urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). The levels of DNA adducts had a weak positive correlation with urinary ALA concentration (r = 0.62), but not significant correlation with Pb-B and FEP. This result suggests that lead exposure might have the effect to remain DNA adducts. The inhibition of DNA repair system may be one reason. This preliminary study need be followed by extended surveys on lead exposure.