To evaluate the effects of lead on the liver function indices in male lead workers.

The study comprised of 274 lead workers and 113 non-lead workers who were confirmed not to have HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface Antigen). Blood lead (PbB), blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU) were selected as parameters for monitoring exposure to lead while aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GTP) were chosen as parameters for monitoring liver function. Demographic information, such as age, smoking and drinking histories were collected. The duration of work for the lead workers, and their BMI(body mass index), were also obtained.

After adjusting for possible confounders {age, BMI, work duration, smoking (pack-year) and drinking (bottles of Soju consumed per week)}, blood lead was observed to be a significant variable from the logistic regression analysis of the abnormalities of SGOT( >35 IU/L), with an odds ratio of 1.04 (95 % CI, 1.008-1.066). The amount of alcohol drunk (odds ratio 1.28: 95 % CI, 1.054-1.549) and BMI (odds ratio 1.24: 95 % CI, 1.075-1.421) were also significant variables. From the multiple linear regression analyses, blood lead was significantly, and positively, associated with SGOT (p<0.05).

These findings suggest that exposure to lead may have an effect on SGOT in male lead workers.