Farooq Ahmad Khan

Lead-induced oxidative stress adversely affects health of the occupational workers:

Lead is a persistent toxic metal and associated with impairment of various body functions in occupational workers. The main objective was to determine the lead-induced oxidative stress and adverse health effects by biochemical markers in industrial workers. One hundred and forty-eight males consisting of 87 lead-exposed industrial workers and 61 controls were included. Blood lead level (BLL) was determined on a 3010B ESA lead analyzer. Blood complete counts were done on a hematology analyzer. Biochemical markers including serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, phosphate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured on a Selectra E auto analyzer. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured spectrophotometrically and C-reactive protein (CRP) on Immulite-1000. Results revealed that lead-exposed workers had significantly high BLLs, median (range), 29.1 (9.0–61.1) μg/dL compared with controls, 8.3 (1.0–21.7) μg/dL. Oxidative stress (MDA, GGT) and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity CRP) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Blood pressure was raised, whereas hemoglobin was decreased in exposed group (P ≤ 0.002). Serum urea, uric acid, phosphate, and ALT were significantly raised in lead-exposed workers (P ≤ 0.001). Serum albumin, total proteins, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were decreased. Blood lead showed a significant positive correlation with serum GGT (r = 0.63), MDA (r = 0.71), CRP (r = 0.75), urea (r = 0.34), creatinine (r = 0.51), and uric acid (r = 0.29) (P ≤ 0.01). It is concluded that lead exposure increases oxidative stress that correlates with adverse changes in hematological, renal, and hepatic function in the occupational workers. Elevated blood lead has positive correlation with oxidative stress, inflammatory and biochemical markers that might be used to detect impairment in the body function in lead exposed workers.

Lead exposure and its adverse health effects among occupational worker's children.

Lead exposure is an important environmental health problem particularly affecting the children of occupational workers living in the lead-contaminated environment. The objectives of the study were to find out the frequency, potential sources and adverse health effects of elevated blood lead level (BLL) in the children of lead-related occupational workers. It was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of two hundred forty six children aged 1—6 years, comprising an equal number (n = 123) from lead smelters/battery recycle plant workers living close to the industries at Wah/Gujranwala, Pakistan (lead-exposed group) and those living 30 km away from the industrial area (controls) were included. Demographic and clinical data of each subject was collected. Blood lead analysis was carried out by using kits on the lead analyzer (3010 B ESA, USA). Biochemical tests of renal and hepatic profile were analyzed on Selectra E auto analyzer. The median age of children was 4 years; comprising of 69 boys and 54 girls. The lead-exposed children had significantly high BLLs median (range) 8.1 (1—20.9) μg/dL as compared to controls 6.7 (1—13.3) μg/dL (p ≤ 0.01). The children of occupational workers had elevated BLL (>10 μg/dL) in 38 (31%) as compared with 14 (11%) in controls. Hematopoietic, renal, and hepatic functions were significantly impaired in the lead-exposed children. In conclusion, the children of lead-related occupational workers have significantly increased frequency (31%) of lead poisoning. The potential source of lead overexposure in these children may be indirect through father’s clothes and contaminated environment at home. Increased lead accumulation adversely affects health of these children.

Standardization of pathology laboratories in Pakistan: problems and prospects.

A Total Quality Management System with an internationally recognized accreditation process is the only guarantee of a reliable pathology service. However in a developing country like Pakistan nearly 90% of labs are small and without adequate physical and man power infrastructures. A modified plan may have to be tailored for them. A two tier system has been formulated. Accreditation based on ISO 15189 is to be introduced on voluntary basis. The labs which do not qualify for international standardization would be brought into quality net through a registration process. All such labs will be initiated into a simplified quality management system. Participation in proficiency testing program will be mandatory. They will be provided education and training to become eligible for accreditation. It is hoped that this simplified system will provide an impetus for evolving a workable and comprehensive mechanism through which pathology laboratories in the country will be able to offer better and more reliable services.