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Blood lead levels linked with IgE sensitization to dust mites, arthropods

A positive relationship existed between blood lead levels and total IgE levels in US adults, with high blood lead levels significantly increasing the risk for IgE sensitization to dust mites and arthropods, according to study results.

Researchers studied data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 4,287 adults aged 20 years and older who had completed a panel of allergen-specific IgE tests and had blood lead measurements. The ImmunoCAP System (Pharmacia Diagnostics) measured total and allergen-specific IgE levels against 19 allergens, categorized as: molds, dust mites, plants, pets, arthropods, rodents and food.

Sensitization was indicated with a specific IgE level of 0.35 kU_A/L or greater, and confounding factors were assessed.

The geometric mean of blood lead in the study population was 1.46 mcg/dL (95% CI, 1.44-1.5 mcg/dL). About 55% of the cohort had sensitivity to at least one specific allergen, with a mean total IgE level of 48.2 kU/L (95% CI, 46.1-50.5 kU/L).

Using a spline function to fit the generalized addictive model, significant linear association was shown, with total IgE levels elevated with increases in blood lead levels (beta=0.18; 95% CI, 0.08-0.28).

Blood lead levels were significantly associated with total IgE levels (beta value in quartile 4, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.2-0.51) and an increased risk for specific IgE sensitization to dust mites (OR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.01-1.8; quartile 4) and arthropods (OR=1.8; 95% CI, 1.45-2.25; quartile 4).

“Specifically, subjects with the highest blood lead levels had significantly increased risk for allergies to Dermatophagoides farinae (OR=1.46; 95% CI, 1.07-2.01), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (OR=1.47; 95% CI, 1.08-2), peanut (OR=1.84; 95% CI, 1.2-2.81), cockroach (OR=1.99; 95% CI, 1.55-2.54) and shrimp (OR=1.51; 95% CI, 1-2.28) than those in the lowest quartile,” the researchers wrote.

“Although our findings require confirmation, they suggest that background exposures to lead might play an important role in development of allergic conditions among adults,” the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.