The impact of harmful occupational risk factors on the markers of bone metabolism in industrial workers

Abstract

Introduction. Unfavourable factors of the working environment affect bone tissue, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis in workers of harmful industries, which is an urgent social and hygienic problem due to the high prevalence and severity of medical and social consequences. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of industrial vibration and physical overload on the markers of bone metabolism in industrial workers. Materials and methods. One hundred fifty-two employees of mining and mechanical engineering enterprises in contact with industrial vibration and physical overload were examined. The assessment of bone tissue metabolism in the workers was carried out by the method of solid-phase enzyme immunoassay to determine biochemical markers of bone metabolism: bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, C-terminal serum telopeptide, cathepsin K, as well as indicators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. X-ray densitometry was used to assess bone mineral density. Results. There was a significant decrease in the markers of osteogenesis: the concentration of CSF (14.26 ± 4.13 and 18.69±5.28, respectively, p< 0.05) and osteocalcin (12.23±4.15 and 17.84±5.17, respectively, p < 0.05) and an increase in the markers of bone resorption: the level of beta-CrossLaps (0.629±0.162 and 0.361±0.095, respectively, p = 0.002) and the level of cathepsin K (12.49±5.28 and 0.59±0.02, respectively, p < 0.001) in workers of industrial enterprises exposed to physical factors of production. The correlation between the markers of bone metabolism and the experience of exposure to adverse working conditions was established. Conclusion. Combined exposure to physical labour factors is a predictor of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone metabolism disorders, increasing the risk of metabolic osteopathy in industrial workers.