Circulating metals, leukocyte microRNAs and microRNA networks: A profiling and functional analysis in Chinese adults

•In Chinese adults, 9 circulating metals were significantly associated with 55 leukocyte miRNAs.•Ni-Pb-V were positively associated with 5 lymphocyte-enriched miRNAs inhibiting DNA repair.•Ni-Pb-V were inversely associated with 4 granulocyte-enriched miRNAs promoting DNA repair.•Metal-associated miRNAs may modulate immune function as networks in a cell type specific manner.