LAUSR

This work detected a significant association between the serum/blood levels of the heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Cu) and the serum levels of two novel biomarkers of cardiovascular stress (GDF-15 and sST2) among the studied Cu smelter workers. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm causality. Objective Studying the association between the occupational exposure to Pb, As, Cd, and Cu with the serum levels of 2 novel biomarkers of cardiovascular stress; growth differentiation factor 15 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, in some Egyptian Cu smelter workers. Methods Forty-one exposed workers and 41 administrative controls were clinically evaluated. Serum/blood levels of heavy metals and biomarkers were measured for both groups. Results The smelter workers showed significantly elevated levels of heavy metals and biomarkers compared with controls. The elevated serum levels of both biomarkers were significantly and positively correlated with each other, the levels of heavy metals, and the duration of employment of the exposed workers. Conclusions There was a significant association between the levels of heavy metals and both biomarkers among the smelter workers. Further prospective studies should be performed.