Application of benchmark dose on occupational epidemiology research in lead exposure
Tian, L.; Jin, T-yi.; Lu, X-ting.
Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 39(6): 406-408
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9624 PMID: 16329803 Document Number: 591776
Objective To use the data of occupational epidemiology to estimate the benchmark dose (BMD) of renal dysfunction induced by lead. Methods Blood lead was considered as an exposure biomarker, while urinary total protein (TP), urinary beta(2)-microglubin (beta(2)-MG) and urinary N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were considered as effect biomarkers reflecting the damage of renal function. The dichotomized (binary) data was used as effect endpoints. The BMD and BMD lower limit (BMDL) of blood lead were estimated at the 10% benchmark response using BMDS version 1.3.1. Results There was an increased prevalence of hyper-TP-uria, hyper-beta(2)-MG-uria and hyper-NAG-uria with an increasing blood lead concentration. There was obviously dose-response relationship between blood lead and TP, beta(2)-MG and NAG, respectively. The BMD and BMDL of blood lead affecting renal function were estimated to be 323.6-754.3 mu g/L and 274.2-541.5 mu g/L. The BMDL of blood lead was ranged from low to high as NAG, TP and beta(2)-MG. The urinary NAG activity might be served as a sensitive biomarker in detecting early renal dysfunction. Conclusion It should be feasible to use the BMD approach to set up the reference dose (RID) and reference concentration (RfC). BMD approach might provide a new and better way for setting up the RfD/RfC.