The level of antioxidant enzymes, plasma vitamins C and E in cement plant workers

• Published in: Clinica chimica acta Vol. 341; no. 1; pp. 193 - 198
• Main Authors: Aydin, Suleyman, Aral, Ibrahim, Kilic, Nermin, Bakan, Ibrahim, Aydin, Suna, Erman, Frazilet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2004
• Subjects: Adult; Antioxidant; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - metabolism; Ascorbic Acid - blood; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Cement workers; Dust; Erythrocyte Count; Free Radical Scavengers - blood; Free radical scavenging enzymes; Glutathione Peroxidase - blood; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; Lipid peroxidation; Lipids - blood; Male; Malondialdehyde - blood; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Proteins - metabolism; Reference Values; Superoxide Dismutase - blood; Vitamin E - blood; Lipid peroxidation; Free radical scavenging enzymes; Cement workers; Antioxidant
• ISSN: 0009-8981; 1873-3492
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cccn.2003.12.007

Background: Chronic exposure to cement dust has been reported to lead to several health problems. This study was designed to investigate the plasma oxidant and antioxidant status in cement plant workers and control subjects. Methods: Twenty-eight volunteer male cement plant workers and 30 volunteer office male workers (control) aged 29–54 years participated. The concentration of plasma vitamin C (P-VC), plasma vitamin E (P-VE), plasma malondialdehyde (P-MDA), and the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E-SOD), plasma glutathione peroxidase (P-GSH-Px), and some serum biochemical parameters were measured in both groups. Results: The levels of MDA (175%), ALT (61%), and AST (39%) were significantly increased, while total RBC count (12%), Hb (11%) vitamin E (51%), C (35%), SOD (44%), and GSH-Px (51%) activities were markedly decreased, and the levels of urea, protein, and albumin triglyceride and cholesterol were almost the same in cement plant workers versus the control subjects. Conclusion: Cement workers are exposed to more oxidative stress compared to control subjects. To overcome these oxidative stresses, supplementation of antioxidant vitamins, such as α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, may be beneficial. In addition, proper precaution to protect workers could prevent serious health problems.