Table 2. Blood lncRNA-MALAT1 expression at different Cd exposure levels in Cd-exposed workers (n = 159).

Exposure to Cd at different levels	N	MALAT1	F	P value
Ucd levels
① ≤2 μg g–1 Cr	136	1.179 ± 1.457	26.471	P total < 0.0001
② 2–5 μg g–1 Cr	12	2.279 ± 2.126		P ①② = 0.096
③ >5 μg g–1 Cr	11	6.109 ± 3.164		P ①③ < 0.0001
				P ②③ < 0.0001
Urine β 2 -MG
① ≤500 μg g–1 Cr	136	1.179 ± 1.457	26.471	P total < 0.0001
② 500–1000 μg g–1 Cr	12	2.279 ± 2.126		P ①② = 0.096
③ >1000 μg g–1 Cr	11	6.109 ± 3.164		P ①③ < 0.0001
				P ②③ < 0.0001
BCd level
① ≤2 μg l–1	116	1.375 ± 1.497	21.855	P total < 0.0001
② 2–5 μg l–1	32	1.042 ± 1.894		P①② = 0.439
③ >5 μg l–1	11	5.872 ± 4.415		P ①③ < 0.0001
				P ②③ < 0.0001