P-370 THE BURTON’S LINE AND THE ROLE OF 25(OH)D IN LEAD-EXPOSED WORKERS

Abstract Introduction Occupational lead exposure is one of the significant sources of lead poisoning. The Burton’s line, a bluish-grey line on the gum is a clinical sign found in chronic lead poisoning. Vitamin D is known to have antioxidant effects, but the role of antioxidants in lead poisoning is remain unclear. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between Burton’s line and blood lead level (BLL) and BLL/25(OH)D ratio. Methods A total of 71 male workers occupationally exposed to lead in Java, Indonesia, participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed for their characteristics and underwent a physical examination. The venous blood samples were taken from all subjects. BLL was measured using ICPMS and serum 25(OH)D was measured using the ECLIA. Results Burton’s line was found in 13 (18.3%) participants. Following the Mann-Whitney U test, the median (min-max) of BLL (11.76 (5.08-29.67) μg/dL) and BLL/25(OH)D ratio (0.47 (0.23-1.99)) in Burton’s line group was higher (p<0.05) than in non-Burton’s line group (6.72 (1.17-43.94) μg/dL) and 0.34 (0.05-3.14), respectively. Discussion Our findings confirmed previous results that lead exposure is the risk factor in the formation of Burton’s line. A higher BLL/25(OH)D ratio among those with Burton’s line indicated that a higher lead exposure induced lower 25(OH)D concentrations or less antioxidant activity. Conclusion Burton’s line may be found in chronic heavy metal exposure. 25-OH vitamin D may interact with lead deposition in soft tissues. Keywords: Blood lead levels, Burton’s line, BLL/25(OH)D ratio