ABSTRACT
Cholinesterase is one of many important enzymes needed for acetylcholine hydrolysis. This study aimed to evaluate the serum pseudo-cholinesterase (BuChE) level and its relation to biological parameters (hematological and biochemical parameters) and symptoms among occupational workers, gasoline station worker in Bangkok, Thailand. Our results revealed that the average BuChE level was in normal range, but it had strong relation to hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and serum glutamic pyruvic trans-aminase (SGPT) (Linear regression analysis, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p = 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively). Although, BuChE was not related to white blood cell parameters, but it may exhibit the skin irritation (p = 0.058) of the workers as it showed significant correlation to conjunctivitis and nausea (Pearson's correlation, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). In conclusion, this finding may explain that BuChE was significantly related to red blood cells (RBC), liver and kidney functions.
ABSTRACT
Early warning of the potential of mutagens or carcinogens caused by benzene exposure that might occur in gasoline station workers can be achieved by examining 2 major biomarkers: sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA), a urinary metabolite of benzene. The main objective of this study was to assess benzene exposure and monitor the genotoxic effect of gasoline station workers in Bangkok, Thailand. Blood and urine samples were collected from 33 gasoline station workers, working in Pathumwan district area, central Bangkok, Thailand, for SCE and t,t-MA analysis, from April to June 2009. Control samples were collected from 30 office workers and students in the same area at the same period. Our results indicated significantly higher frequencies of SCE in gasoline exposed workers were than in controls (p<0.01), independent of gender. Urinary t,t-MA and t,t-MA/creatinine levels of gasoline exposed workers were also significantly higher than the control groups (p<0.05) were significantly higher in women than men workers (p<0.01). Calculated chromosomal damage relative risk (RR) of gasoline station workers was 3.00 (95% CI = 1.81 - 4.98, p<0.001) compared to controls. The gasoline exposed workers had potentially higher risk of chromosomal damage and cancer development because of direct contact to benzene.
