Abstract
PurposeNail technicians (NTs) are exposed to a low-level mixture of volatile organic solvents (VOCs), yet the health hazards related to such exposure are unknown. This study thus aimed to compare the blood plasma levels of selected biomarkers related to liver status and lipid profile among occupationally exposed NTs and unexposed controls. Associations between out-of-normal-range levels of such biomarkers and occupational exposure to VOCs mixture have also been investigated.MethodsThe study enrolled 145 female NTs and 152 unexposed controls. Biochemical analyses were performed using spectrophotometric assays and obtained data were analyzed using general linear model and Poisson regression modelling adjusted to multiple confounders.ResultsCompared to controls, NTs presented significantly increased plasma activities of ALT (2.04 ± 0.63 ln-U/l vs. 1.25 ± 0.71 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001) and AST (2.73 ± 0.25 ln-U/l vs. 2.08 ± 0.95 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001), and significantly increased plasma levels of TG (4.38 ± 0.53 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.42 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.05) and TC/HDL ratio (1.18 ± 0.36 vs. 1.02 ± 0.27; p < 0.0005). Plasma levels of HDL were significantly lower among NTs (4.02 ± 0.29 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.26 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.0001). Moreover, NTs were found to present significantly increased risk of occurrence of clinically relevant plasma HDL levels below 3.91 ln-mg/dl (i.e., 50 mg/dl; RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.07–2.32, p < 0.05), as well as increased risk of clinically relevant TC/HDL ratio above the normal range limit of 3.5 (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.19–2.35, p < 0.005), as compared to unexposed controls.ConclusionNail technicians are subject to adverse changes in selected plasma biomarkers related to liver functions, some of which may be of clinical relevance.
Highlights
Long-term occupational exposure to a low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in many occupational groups, including nail technicians
Here we report a study in which we analyzed the blood plasma levels of selected biochemical markers related to liver functions and status, including blood plasma activities of alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases, total plasma level of cholesterol (TC), blood plasma levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides (TG), plasma TC/HDL ratio as well as fasting plasma glucose level among nail technicians with long-term low-level exposure to a mixture of VOCs and compared these levels to those obtained in unexposed office-working control subjects
The hereby presented study shows that nail technicians, a workgroup with long-term occupational exposure to low-level mixture of VOCs, are subject to significantly increased blood plasma levels of ALT and AST activities, plasma levels of TG and TC/HDL ratio, as well as to significantly decreased plasma level of HDL
Summary
Long-term occupational exposure to a low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in many occupational groups, including nail technicians. Supposedly induced mainly due to toxic action of their intermediates and metabolites produced by the liver itself, has to be considered among adverse health effects caused by occupational exposure to VOCs (Malaguarnera et al 2012) Pathophysiologic mechanism of such hepatotoxicity is still under investigation; it is believed to be characterized by organic and functional damage of the liver resulting from ongoing inflammation, dysfunction of cytochrome P450 enzyme system, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. All these jointly contribute to disruption of hepatocytes and their plasma membranes, altered function of transport proteins, cytotoxic T-cell activation, triggering of hepatocytes’ apoptosis and bile duct injury. It is important to note that prolonged occupational exposure to low levels of VOCs mixture can be found in several other workgroups in contact with paints, lacquers, photographic chemicals, as well as in production of plastics and synthetic rubber (Mechilli et al 2008; Malaguarnera et al 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call