Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between lead low-level exposure and telomere length in neonates. Methods A total of 97 neonates who had lower umbilical cord blood lead levels than 100 μg/L were included in this study, which were divided into two groups(group A and group B)according to the lead levels of umbilical cord blood at 50 μg/L.The lead levels of group A was <50 μg/L, and group B was ≥50 μg/L.Blood lead content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.The relative telomere length of leukocytes was evaluated by a real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results There were 68 cases in the group A and 29 cases in the group B.Group B had shorter telomere lengths than group A (0.536±0.476 VS 0.803±0.568), which was negatively correlated with blood lead levels (r=-0.303, P=0.003).There was significant difference of telomere length between two groups(t=2.222, P=0.029). Conclusions The telomere length in neonate was associated with a higher umbilical cord blood lead levels.Lead low-level exposure may contribute to shorten the neonatal telomere length.

Key words: cord blood, lead, neonates, telomere length

摘要： 目的 研究低水平脐血铅浓度与新生儿白细胞DNA端粒长度的相关性, 为低水平铅暴露对新生儿端粒长度及日后生长发育的影响提供新的客观依据。方法 选择脐血铅浓度低于100 μg/L足月顺产儿97例。以脐血铅浓度50 μg/L为界将其分为两组。A组:脐血铅浓度<50 μg/L, B组:脐血铅浓度≥50 μg/L。采用原子吸收光谱法测定血铅浓度, 实时荧光定量PCR法测白细胞DNA的相对端粒长度。结果 A组68例, B组29例。A组端粒长度为0.803±0.568, B组端粒长度为0.536±0.476, 两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.222, P=0.029);端粒长度与血铅浓度呈负相关(r=-0.303, P=0.003)。结论 新生儿白细胞DNA端粒长度与脐血铅浓度相关, 低水平脐血铅亦可致新生儿端粒长度的缩短。

关键词: : 脐血, 铅, 新生儿, 端粒长度