Sociodemographic Aspects and TSH, T3F and T4F Level

Table 1. Levels of TSH (µUI/L) T3F (pg/mL) and T4F (ng/mL) in both groups 

Lead and mercury levels in both groups

With respect to the analysis of Pb in whole blood and Hg in partial urine, it was found that the study group presented values above the biological exposure index or permissible limit (BEIs) established by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Biological (ACGIH, 2015), with Pb values up to 8 µg/dL for non-occupationally exposed women and Hg values up to 5 µg/g creatinine. Other data of interest are shown in Table 2.

Table2. Concentration of lead (µg/dL) and mercury (µg/g  of creatinine) 

TSH and T3F levels were associated with Pb and Hg concentration

When TSH and T3F levels were associated with Pb and Hg concentration, it was found that there is a significant negative association for TSH (r=0.997 and r= 0.993), while for T3F there is a tendency to increase the levels of this hormone as the concentration of Pb Hg increases (r=0.997 and 0.976). The above is shown in Figures 1a-b and 2a-b.  

Figure 1. Relationship  of TSH levels with heavy metal concentrations in blood and urine of the study group

Figure 2. Relationship  of T3F levels with heavy metal concentrations in blood and urine of the study group.