Biochemical changes among workers occupationally exposed to vibration

With the increasing interaction between workers and mechanical tools, vibration at critical frequencies and acceleration has become an important source of injury. Exposure to occupational vibration has its adverse effects on musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Certain biochemical changes may occur. Some psychological and physiological disorders were observed. The present study aimed to study biochemical changes among workers occupationally exposed to vibration. The study included a total number of 165 workers [104 exposed to vibration and 61 as a comparison group]. Exposed workers were selected from Mousahama El-Behera, Zahran and Lecico companies in Alexandria. They were exposed to Whole - Body Vibration [WBV] [n=77] or Hand -Arm Vibration [HAV] [n=27]. Non-exposed workers [n=61] were selected from the same companies. Biochemical changes including hematological changes, coagulation profile, lipid profile, liver and cardiac enzymes, some of trace elements and urinary catecholamine were studied among exposed and control subjects. Significant changes in the levels of tested biochemical parameters were observed among workers exposed to WBV, HAV and control subjects. It can be concluded that workers exposed to occupational vibrations may develop certain occupational diseases, that might be related to the vibration itself

Changes in some metalloenzymes and trace metals among workers occupationally exposed to lead in battery manufacture

The present study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of lead [Pb] exposure on the activities of some metaloenzymes as TIBC, SOD, ALP and MAO and their related trace metals among workers. Ninety workers occupationally exposed to Pb in a battery manufacturing plant in Alexandria city were included in this study, 50 of them were the exposed group and 40 control subjects. The present study showed a statistically significant higher level of biological indices of exposure [p<0.01] of lead in blood among the exposed group than the control subjects. Exposure to Pb led to decreased levels of Zn and Fe which was accompanied by increase in the level of TIBC and decrease in activity of ALP. However, no significant variation could be detected in the level of Cu and its metalloenzyme as SOD and MAO between exposed and control subjects

Effect of occupational exposure to ammonia on enzymatic activities of catalase and monoamine oxidase

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of ammonia inhalation on a total number of 60 male subjects from an urea production plant located in Alexandria. Laboratory investigations were carried out for 30 exposed and 30 controlled subjects. The results showed statistically significant inhibition [p < 0.01] in the activity of catalase enzyme among the exposed than the control subjects. The inhibition could lead to deleterious effects on electrical stability, permeability and fluidity of membranes, which could affect the liver and brain to be more susceptible to hepatotoxic and neurotoxic alterations. The present work showed a significant inhibition [p < 0.01] of monoamine oxidase [MAO] activities and significant increase [p < 0.05, 0.01] in liver function activities among exposed subjects than the control subjects

Determination of some antioxidant enzymes in serum of electroplating workers

Electroplating process has wide range of applications. Inhalation of metal vapors as zinc, iron and uses of cyanide in electrolytic degreasing baths can cause injury to several internal organs of the body. The present study included 25 exposed subjects during zinc electroplating process and 20 control subjects. The level of zinc was significantly increased and the level of iron was significantly decreased among exposed subjects than the control, while the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase were found to be reduced among exposed workers in electroplating process than control subjects, and no significant differences were found in glutathione reductase activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the activity of blood antioxidant enzymes which may be used as markers of exposure for zinc electroplating

Study of impact of occupational exposure to some organic solvents in blood lipids

Organic solvents are of wide use in industry. They have been accused to affect the cardiovascular system through their effect on lipid metabolism. The present study has beat carried out in a petroleum refining company. Workers were t exposed to phenol, toluene, benzol and methyl ethyl ketone. A total number of 106 exposed workers and 30 control subjects were submitted to blood and urine analysis. Blood analysis included total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Urine analysis included the measurement of the biological indices of exposure: phenol, methyl ethyl ketone and hippuric acid. The study revealed a significant increase in the levels of some blood lipids among exposed workers regardless the types of organic solvents they were exposed to. control of these adverse effects has been recommended

Hematological changes among workers of combined chemical exposure

The present study had been conducted in two plants, the first was manufacturing artificial fibers and the second plant was manufacturing lead batteries, both located in Alexandria and its surroundings. The objective of this study is to elucidate the effect of combined exposure to Cs [2]and pb on some hematological parameters of exposed workers. Examined subjects included: rayon spinners [n=118], spinning tank welders [n=90] and workers of lead batteries [n=88], and a control group [n=91]. Each worker [and control subject] was intereviewed for his personal, occupational, past and present histories with special emphasis on liver, blood disease, parasitic infections and drug intake. This was followed by through clinical examination. Fasting blood samples were collected from hematological investigations and for determination of lead in blood; spot urine samples were collected both before and after shift for the evaluation of Cs[2] metabolites by the modified iodine azide test. The present study revealed that combined exposure to Cs[2] and pb yielded the following types of effects: additive for RBCs, WBCs and MCHC; antagonistic for hemoglobin, eosinophils and bleeding time and independent for the rest of the hematological parameters. It can be concluded that when CS[2] and pb are combined, they behave in a different manner from that they do separately; however, further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanism of such interaction.

Study of impact of occupational exposure to pesticides among bilharzial infected workers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pesticides exposure on some biochemical parameters and health changes among bilharzia infected workers. This work included 305 workers exposed to pesticides in a pesticides manufacturing plant, 117 of whom were bilharziatic and 52 control subjects 19 of whom were bilharziatic and 52 control subjects 19 of whom were bilharziatic. Each subject was interviewed for his personal, occupational medical histories and history of bilharziasis. Fasting blood samples were collected for the assessment of some liver function tests as SGOT, SGPT and GGT; some blood constituents as fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea; hematological examination and cholinesterase activity determination. Bilharziasis, when accompanied by pesticides exposure led to decrease in cholinesterase activity, increase in GGT activity, decrease in fasting blood sugar levels, decrease in cholesterol levels together with an inverse in the prevalence of health disorders. Most of these effects have been attributed to liver disturbances. It has been concluded that the combined effect of pesticides exposure and bilharzia infection seems to be of the additive type of synergism, and more attention must be paid to the liver functions of such workers

Changes of lipid metabolism among bilharziatic workers occupationally exposed to carbon disulfide

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of bilharzia infection on the lipid metabolism among workers exposed to E/ +E/ +E/ +E/ +E/ +CS2. This work included 118 workers exposed to CS2 in Misr Rayon Manufacturing Company, Kafr El-Dawar, 84 of whom were bilharziatic and 91 controls. 46 of whom were bilharziatic. Each subject has been interviewed for his personal, occupational and medical history and history of bilharziasis. Determination of CS2 concentrations in air has been carried out in different departments of the plant. Fasting blood samples were obtained for assessment of fasting blood sugar, GGT activity and serum creatinine levels, the lipid profile including total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids, the cholesterol and phospholipid content of HDL and LDL and the lipoprotein pattern including the levels of LDL, VLDL and HDL. Bilharziasis, when accompanied by CS2 exposure led to increased GGT activity, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, LDL and LDLPh levels with decreased HLD and HDLCh levels. These effects were fond to be of the potentiative type of synergism and has been attributed to liver damage. It has been recommended to introduce the assessment of lipid metabolism in the periodic medical examination of these workers

Copper metabolism and its relation to neurotoxic manifestations among workers manufacturing viscose fibers

Copper is one of the essential trace elements and is involved in several enzymes of key importance in metabolism. Moreover, it plays a critical function in maintaining the integrity of the central nervous system. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of CS[2] exposure on copper metabolism and its reflection on the functions of the nervous system among spinners in a factory manufacturing viscose fibres. The study comprised 80 spinners and 30 control subjects. Each was interviewed for his personal and occupational histories, history of neuropsychological complaints and medical examination of the nervous system. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of serum copper, serum ceruloplasmin, SOD and MAO activities, Spot urine samples were also collected for the biological assessment of CS[2] exposure by the iodine azide test. The study revealed significant higher prevalence of neuropsychological complaints, tremors, peripheral neuropathy, decrease in serum copper levels, enhancement of SOD activity and inhibition of MAO among exposed workers when compared to controls. These findings confirm the involvement of copper metabolism disturbances in the onset of the neurotoxic manifestations caused by CS[2] exposure

Study of the lipoprotein pattern among workers exposed to lead

Occupational exposure to lead fumes constitutes a serious problem in Egypt, since a considerable number of workers might be involved in its deleterious effect. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of lead exposure on the lipoprotein pattern of exposed workers. The study has been carried out in a plant manufacturing lead batteries. It consists of 89 workers exposed to lead and 25 control subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of serum lipoprotein pattern and their cholesterol and phospholipid content. Levels of lead in blood and delta amino levulinic acid in urine have been determined as biological indices of lead exposure. Lead exposure caused mainly a cumulative effect on the cholesterol and phospholipid content of lipoproteins since only workers exposed for more than 10 years showed significant changes. These changes might be referred to the effect of lead exposure on liver and/or on trace metal metabolism

Some clinical findings among workers manufacturing pesticides

This study was conducted to evaluate the health effects, of pesticides on a group of exposed workers in a manufacturing plant. Data were derived by interviewing a population of 264 exposed male workers for symptoms and history of exposure. Medical and occupational histories were recorded in detail. Physical examination included general examination, measurement of blood pressure, auscultation of the heart and lungs and special examination dictated by the history. The control group consisted of 50 workers of similar age, sex, educational and socioeconomic background as the exposed workers. They were never occupationally exposed to pesticides of any kind. Blood samples were collected from each examined worker for the determination of plasma and R.B.C. cholinesterase activities. Present results revealed that hypertensive diseases, neuroses and other personal disorders, liver and gall-bladder manifestations, headache, dermatitis, urinary tract conditions and impotence were more frequent among exposed workers. Inhibition of cholinesterase activities were met among 14.02% of the exposed workers compared to none of the controls. It was also found that previously mentioned health disorders were significantly more common among those having cholinesterase activity depression. No differences were found as regard the relationship between cholinesterase activity and previous history of acute intoxication. On the other hand, present data revealed that workers exposed to pesticides for a longer duration [more than 20 years] have more reduction in cholinesterase activity

Study of the effect of exposure to carbon monoxide on cardiovascular system

A study was conducted to find the CVS effects of CO exposure especially changes in BP, ECG changes especially ischemic changes and findings suggesting peripheral vascular diseases. Data were collected from all workers exposed to CO gas in a Sand Brick Factory [25 workers]. A control group [25 workers] was also randomly selected from other departments in the same plant, of the same sex [male], of the same socioeconomic conditions and they had never been exposed to CO during their working life. All workers were interviewed using a specially designed questionnaire and a CVS questionnaire of London School of Hygiene. Workers were clinically examined and an ECG was recorded for each one. If no signs of ischemia were detected, the ECG was repeated after a standardized effort test using a bicycle ergometry [subjective maximal exercise test]. Results obtained in this study revealed that there was no difference between exposed and controls as regard palpitation and pain denoting intermittent claudication. In addition there were no changes in BP as a result of exposure CO among the exposed group. However, exposure to CO resulted in increase of prevalence of ischemic heart changes among the studied workers especially older age group [above 40 years of age]. This high prevalence of ischemic changes among older exposed workers could be explained by the cumulative synergistic effect of CO exposure and smoking as all of them were smokers. As regard ECG criteria other than ischemia, it was noted that exposure to CO resulted in sinus bradycardia which was significantly more met among exposed group than their controls

Evaluation of some biochemical changes related to liver among workers manufacturing pesticides

This study was done on 250 non-bilharzial non-alcoholic male workers in a pesticide manufacturing plant, exposed to different types of pesticides and other 50 non-exposed controls. Each worker was subjected to full clinical history and examination as well as biochemical and hematological analysis. Results indicated that exposure to pesticides has not results in enlargements of the liver and/or spleen. It leads to significant inhibition of ChES activity. Other biochemical changes were in the form of hypoglycemia, hypocholesteremia, increase in triglycerides and increase in serum GGT activity

Study of the effect of exposure to lead on cardiovascular system

The aim of this work is to define the cardiovascular effects due to lead exposure especially changes in blood pressure, ECG changes with special emphasis on ischemic changes suggesting peripheral vascular diseases. It was concluded that exposure to lead resulted in an increase of occurrence of ischemic heart changes. No evidence of peripheral vascular diseases nor blood pressure changes was noted

Study of some biomedical changes in workers of poultry confinements in Egypt

The present study was conducted on 150 workers in open and closed poultry confinements, and 50 control subjects, to evaluate the magnitude of the health problem among the workers in this relatively new industry in Egypt. The examined workers and controls were subjected to medical examination, measurement of pulmonary function and blood assessments for endotoxins in plasma, using the microclot generation [MCG] technique, hematological picture, total protein and its fractions, and immuno-globulins. Upper respiratory tract irritation, cough and repeated attacks of cough, dyspnea, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal complaints, urticaria, contact dermatitis and eye irritation occurred at significantly higher rates among the workers than in the controls. The FVC and FEV[1].0 of the workers, as well as their predicted values, were significantly lower than in the controls, specially among smokers. The prevalence of positive cases and mean number of MCG were higher in the workers of the open confinements than in those of the closed confinements, while completely absent in the controls. The hemoglobin levels of the workers were significantly lower than in the controls, while the leucocytic count and percentage of neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils were significantly higher. The levels of serum IgG, IgE and IgM were significantly higher in all the examined workers than in the controls, while IgA was significantly higher in the workers of the open confinements only; and the levels of IgG and IgE of the workers were only slightly higher than the normal values. The levels of total protein, alpha-2 and beta-globulins, as well as the A/G ratio, were significantly lower in the sera of the workers than in the controls. These changes were suggested to be attributed to the workers exposure to bacterial endotoxins, fungi, and irritant dust and gases

Changes in serum proteins, lipids and some enzymes due to chelating agent [EDTA] treatment in lead intoxication

The effect of chelating agent EDTA on some biochemical parameters has been studied on lead exposed rats that were fed on semi-purified diet and were receiving 100 micro g/ml lead as acetate in drinking water. After 4 months, the lead exposed rats were intraperitoneally injected with EDTA for five successive days. The results indicated that ALA-D activity was inhibited by lead intoxication and EDTA treatment did not induce any improvement of the inhibited activity. On the other hand, ZPP increased significantly by lead exposure but tended to decrease after EDTA administration though it is still significantly higher than controls. EDTA treatment induced a significant decrease in total proteins of lead exposed animals which is due to the significant decrease in albumin and gamma -globulin fractions. While lead exposed animals did not show any change in cholesterol level, EDTA administration caused a significant hypocholesterolemia. EDTA treatment was found to induce significant increase in ceruloplasmin and inhibition in SGOT. It seems that EDTA treatment is followed by some biological changes that could be attributed to the chelating effects of EDTA to some trace metals