Abstract
This study aimed to quantify serum lead and cadmium levels among occupationally exposed street workers and to investigate their associations with early alterations in hepatic, renal, and lipid biomarkers, as well as oxidative stress markers. This cross-sectional case-control study compared 80 non-smoking men with at least five years of full-time, street-based occupations (traffic police, officers, shopkeepers, and street vendors) with 20 controls from a low-traffic rural area. Blood samples were analyzed for serum lead and cadmium levels using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Standard biochemical assays were used to assess liver and kidney function, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers. The results showed that individuals with occupational exposure had significantly higher serum lead and cadmium concentrations than controls, with the highest levels observed among traffic police. These elevated metal levels were strongly associated with adverse changes in key health indicators. Exposed groups had significantly higher levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), renal markers (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and detrimental lipid profiles (elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and lower HDL-C). A clear dose-response relationship was observed, with longer exposure duration correlating with greater metal accumulation and more pronounced biochemical disturbances. Increased oxidative stress, indicated by higher malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, provided a mechanistic link to the observed organ stress. These findings highlight the need to implement protective occupational health measures, such as regular health assessments for street workers and urban planning to combat air pollution, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable urban populations.