Study of changes in biochemical indices in workers employed in underground mining of chrome ore

Abstract

Introduction. Underground mining of chrome ores is characterized by constant exposure to chemical factors on production workers, leading to changes in critical organs and systems. The aim of the work was to study changes in some biochemical parameters in workers engaged in underground mining of chrome ores. Materials and methods included assessing the chromium content in the air of the working area and biological media of workers, the study of many biochemical parameters and protein fractions of blood serum, modelling of cause-and-effect relationships. Results. The workers of the observation group compared to the comparison group showed a significant (up to 1.5 times) increase in the level of chromium in the blood and urine, an increase in the level of IgE specific to chromium - up to 1.6 times, the activity of ALAT and γ-HT in the blood serum - up to 1.3 times, the level β2-microglobulins in serum and urine - up to 1.6 times, serum creatinine levels, slowing of GFR, increased serum AOA, β-globulins and γ-globulins levels. Conclusion. The constant presence of chromium compounds in the air of the working area of mineworkers leads to an elevated concentration of chromium in the blood and its excretion in the urine. The workers of the studied production showed an increase in the level of many laboratory indicators of adverse effects on the liver and kidneys, the immune and antioxidant systems. Changes in the protein fractions of blood serum were revealed in workers at the mine mining chromium ores.