Whole blood lead levels are associated with biomarkers of joint tissue metabolism in African American and white men and women: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project

► We assessed whole blood lead in conjunction with osteoarthritis biomarkers. ► In women, blood lead is associated with urine biomarkers of calcified cartilage and bone turnover. ► In men it is associated with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, a serum marker of joint tissue metabolism. ► This is Suggestive of a gender-specific effect of lead on joint tissues of potential relevance in osteoarthritis.