Serum cadmium level of uterine fibroid patients in Korea

Objective: The aim of this study is checking the blood level of cadmium (Cd) and lead in the patients with endometriosis or uterine leiomyomas. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent surgery for gynecological disease in the present tertiary teaching hospital were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients who underwent surgery for benign ovarian cysts were enrolled into the control group. Forty patients who underwent surgery' for endometriosis and 40 patients who underwent surgery for leiomyoma were enrolled. Whole blood was collected by venipuncture in ordinary tubes after over eight hours of fasting. The Cd and lead levels were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Blood lead and Cd levels were significantly higher in the leiomyoma group than in the control or endometriosis group. All participants were grouped into one of three groups according to their Cd level. Group 1 consisted of patients with Cd <= 0.05 ug/L (low quartile of the Cd level), group 2 included patients with 0.05 ug/L < Cd < 0.10 ug/L, and group 3 included patients Cd >= 0.10 ug/L (upper quartile of the Cd level). Age, parity, triglyceride levels, and lead levels had a significant correlation with Cd levels. The hemoglobin and high-density lipoprotein levels negatively correlated with Cd levels. Conclusion: Blood Cd level was elevated in leiomyoma patients, not in endometriosis patients. Blood lead and Cd levels showed significant positive correlation.