Changes in Liver, Kidney and Atherogenic Indices of Women in Ebocha, Niger-Delta, Nigeria due to Gas Flaring

Abstract

Gas flaring causes pollution to the environment and also affects the human organs such as the liver and kidneys. The present study seeks to investigate changes in liver, kidney function and atherogenic predictor indices of native women of Ebocha, Niger Delta, Nigeria who have over the years been chronically exposed to the persistent gas flaring in the area. Two hundred (200) healthy and freely consented women aged between 30 to 50 years were recruited; one hundred (100) from Ebocha and one hundred (100) from Uturu the control station. Results revealed that the values of serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the concentrations of albumin and total protein were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Ebocha women when compared to values of women from Uturu. The pollution caused as a result of gas flaring did not affect the concentrations of bilirubin in women from both sites. However, serum creatinine, urea, K+, Na+, Cl- and HCO3-concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Ebocha women when compared to values for women from the control station. Ebocha women had significantly (p<0.05) reduced concentrations of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol but significantly (p<0.05) increased LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic predictor indices in comparison with those from Uturu indicating that chronic gas flaring has negative effects on the liver, renal function, lipid profile and atherogenic predictor indices of women resident in Ebocha. Liver, kidney, atherogenic indices, gas flaring, women, Niger Delta.