General and central obesity were significantly correlated with blood lead level in non-smoking, general population aged 30–50, without hypertension

Introduction

To investigate the association between obesity and blood lead level (BLL) in the general population after controlled for menopause, blood pressure, calcium, and smoking; we assessed the relationship between BMI, WC (Waist Circumference), and blood lead levels in the non-smoking middle-aged subjects without hypertension among 2018 KNHANES. All data were recategorized into S1 (BMI<25 kg/m² & WC<90 cm), S2 (intermediate), and S3 (BMI>25 kg/m² & WC>90 cm).

Methods

We made the log transformation of blood lead levels to bring them closer to a normal distribution. Logarithmic transformed BLL was closely related to BMI (p=.010) and WC (p=.020) after adjusting for sociodemographic, energy, working factors, and cardiometabolic variables. The prevalence of ratios of S3, S2, and S1 was comparable according to the quarterly group of BLL.

Results and Conclusions

Blood lead levels might increase oxidative stress on triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol; consequently, lead exposure might form peroxynitrite, a reactive oxygen substrate (ROS) susceptible to destroying lipids. Consequently, obesity was significantly correlated with logarithmic blood lead levels irrespective of sociodemographic, energy, working, and cardiometabolic factors in the non-smoking middle-aged population without hypertension. Further controlled clinical trials would be considered.