Reproductive Hormones among Electroplaters Exposed to Chromium and Nickel at a Factory for Metallic Industries in Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) is prevalent at workplace. Although they are toxic,human studies on their effect on the reproductive system are few and contradictory. Aim of work: To evaluatethe association of male reproductive hormone levels with the concentrations of blood chromium and nickelamong electroplaters in a factory for metallic industries in Egypt. Materials and methods: A cross sectionalcomparative study was conducted on 48 electroplating workers and 48 non-occupationally exposed subjectsused as controls. Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire were fulfilled. Blood nickel andchromium concentrations were determined and the reproductive hormones levels [follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and inhibin] were assayed for all participants. Results: Thestudy showed a statistically significant high levels of the mean values of blood Cr and Ni among electroplatingworkers compared to the control group (1.2±0.93 and 1.3±1.02 μg/L vs 0.4±0.1 and 0.39±0.2 μg/L respectively;p<0.001). Also, a statistically significant high levels of FSH and LH were detected among exposed workers(5.19±2.08 mIU/L and 6.85± 2.67 IU/L respectively) compared to controls (1.95±0.7 mIU/L and 3.97± 0.85IU/L respectively) with low levels of testosterone and inhibin. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05)were found between FSH level and heavy metals (Cr and Ni) levels (r=0.28 and r=0.63; p=0.05 and p<0.002respectively). Conversely, significantly negative correlations were detected as regards testosterone level (r=-.323 for chromium and r=-.571 for nickel; p<0.05 for each). Blood nickel was found to be a significant predictorfor FSH and testosterone level, and smoking index was predictor for all measured reproductive hormonesamong exposed electroplaters. Conclusion: Exposure to high levels of Cr and Ni might affect reproductivehormones levels among male electroplating workers. Regular wearing of good quality’s personal protectiveequipment, especially masks and gloves, to decrease exposure to electroplating fumes, is highly recommended.