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

ABSTRACT

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