Liver functions of workers occupationally exposed to soluble nickel compounds

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the liver functions among workers exposed to nickel during nickel-plating process. The liver functions were assessed in 57 workers who are exposed to nickel during nickel plating and considered as nickel-exposed workers; and 48 unexposed workers from administrative department away from the place of work of study group, were considered as control group. workers with a known history of liver disease, blood transfusions and diabetes mellitus were excluded of the study. The level of urine nickel was measured by using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer, we determined serum markers of liver function tests. urine nickel levels were significantly increased in high-and moderate-exposure groups as compared to unexposed group. The levels of serum transaminases -viz, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly increased in nickel-exposed workers, who had high urine nickel levels as compared to unexposed group. The level of serum albumin was negatively correlated with urine nickel levels. The levels of serum transaminases and serum y- glutamyl- transpeptidase were positively and significantly correlated with urine nickel levels in exposed group. Results indicate that workers who had high urine nickel levels >10 micro g/g of creatinine, had a consistent effect on hepatocellular function