Objective: To explore effects of lead exposure on the concentrations of serum male sex hormone in male workers.
Methods: Blood sample of 153 male workers occupationally exposed to lead and 47 male worker without exposure history were collected, of which the concentrations of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and inhibin B were measured by ELISA.
Results: The results showed that concentration of T in exposure group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with non-exposured group. In contrast, serum inhibin B concentration were significantly increased (P < 0.05) than control group. The main influencing factors changing serum T are effect of lead and age, meanwhile positive effects of lead were also observed on serum inhibin B increased by Logistic analysis.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the lead exposure may alter the male sexual hormone, which might injure the endocrine function and Sertoli cells.