Evaluation of an association between lead exposure and hypertension and the role of the renin-angiotensin system among occupationally exposed individuals

Background: Lead (Pb), a ubiquitous environmental toxin linked with various illnesses, including hypertension (HTN). Though preclinical models have proposed various mechanisms, few epidemiological studies explored the operative pathway(s) demonstrating HTN associated with chronic Pb exposure. The present study examined the association between occupational Pb exposure and hypertension, while also investigating the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in this association. Methods: Occupationally Pb-exposed individuals recruited in the study during their periodic medical examination. Demographic details were collected by pre-standardized semi-structured questionnaires. Blood-Pb levels (BLL) were determined using microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP-MS. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a pre-calibrated digital BP instrument. The role of the RAS was investigated among Pb-exposed workers (BLL ≥40 μg/dL) with (group-1 with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) and without (group-2 with BP