Lipid metabolism changes in population residing in area influenced by storage of ore-processing waste containing lead, cadmium and arsenic
Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examination covered features of lipid metabolism disorders in 137 adults and 170 children, neighbouring storage of ore-processing and extraction waste, in conditions of chronic exposure to metals from various sources (ambient air, water, foods). Findings are that children with higher serum levels of cadmium and arsenic (1.4-2.0 times vs. the reference group) demonstrated 2.2 times more frequent endocrine diseases, up to 2.7 times more frequent obesity related diseases, if compared to the reference group (OR = 2.74; DI = 1.05-7.14; p < 0.05). Chronic noncarcinogenous risk for endocrine system was characterized by jeopardy index (THI) 3.78 - unacceptable risk. With unacceptable risk due to multi-source exposure to lead, cadmium and arsenic, the findings are: dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid link, with activated free radical oxidation and accumulation of perioxidation products, depletion of antioxidant defence resources, disorders of neuromediator processes and lipid metabolism, with obesity formation (ICD: E67.8-66.0), mostly related to negative influence of arsenic (r = 0.37-0.59; p = 0.004-0.05).