[The influence of occupational exposure to arsenic and heavy metals on the activity of catepsins and their inhibitors in blood serum of copper smelters]

Abstract

Background: Exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium poses the risk of cancer. Cathepsins (CP) and their natural inhibitors (CPI) in blood serum are markers of carcinogensis. The aim of this work was to verify the existence of relationships between the exposure to the airesaid elements and the activity of CP and CPL.

Materials and methods: The levels of Pb and Cd in blood, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Se CP as well as free and bound CPI in serum, FEP in erythrocytes, and As in urine were measured in 186 production workers of Legnica Copper Smelter (study group) and 56 administrative employees (control group) and then analyzed.

Results: CF levels were significantly elevated in both groups and CPI levels were elevated in the study group vs. the control group. There were no statistically significant relationships between CF and CPI levels and the remaining parameters in the study group. whereas they were found for CPI in the control group. The results indicate that occupational and environmental exposures to toxic metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium) may lead to the elevated levels of CF and CPI.

Conclusions: The obtained results support the assumptions of the study.