Objective: To explore changes of biochemical indexes for renal damage induced by lead.
Methods: Contents of urinary total protein(TP), urinary beta 2-microglubin (beta 2-MG) and urinary-Acety-D-glucosamindase (NAG) activity of 103 workers in one storage battery plant were observed, then the relationships among work standing, urinary lead (Pb) content and three indexes were analyzed.
Results: The levels of urinary TP(59.73 +/- 6.84) mg/gCr, urinary beta 2-MG (122.01 +/- 1.25) microgram/gCr and urinary NAG (13.70 +/- 1.62) U/g Crin exposed group were more higher than those in the control group and increased along with the rising level of urinary lead. The activities of urinary NAG in group of exposure years from 1 to 3 years were more higher than those in the control group. Increase in urinary NAG activity appeared earlier when compared with changes in urinary TP and beta 2-MG.
Conclusion: The change of NAG activity could reflect earlier the injury of the proximal tubular cells when compared with changes in urinary TP and beta 2-MG. The change of urinary NAG activity, together with change of urinary beta 2-MG or TP, could reflect the status of renal damage in lead-exposed workers.