Oxidative–antioxidant endogenous role on hepatic problems in textile-dyeing workers

Abstract

Background Workers in the textile-dyeing industry are exposed to many environmental pollutants in the working area for long periods, such as organic solvents, heavy metals, and dyes. These various exposures could be associated with an increased risk of liver dysfunctions. Objective This study aimed to estimate the effects of endogenous antioxidants on oxidative stress due to occupational exposures in the textile-dyeing industry and its role on the liver of the exposed workers. Patients and methods One hundred forty-seven male workers from the textile-dyeing industry were included in this study. Serum alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed by autoanalyzer using a diagnostic reagent kit. Results Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in GGT and TAC between workers in the printing and dyeing sections. There was a significant correlation between the duration of exposure and the age of the workers in the printing and dyeing sections. Malondialdehyde showed a significant correlation with age, duration of exposure, and GGT and was a significant inverse correlation with TAC in dyeing workers. In printing workers, GGT was significantly correlated with the duration of exposure, and with TAC, it was inversely correlated in dyeing workers. Moreover, TAC was significantly positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase in printing workers. Conclusion Occupational exposure to chemicals in dyeing processes could affect the liver of the exposed workers through an oxidative stress mechanism, and the total antioxidants could play an important role in reducing this significant effect. However, by increasing the duration of exposure, the role of total antioxidants could be declined. Therefore, it is essential to increase awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment and controlling the exposure rate, in addition to early diagnosis of liver dysfunction through routine clinical follow-up for the exposed workers, improving the clinical outcomes.