DEHP and DBP, common phthalates, induce glucose metabolism disorders in rats via oxidative damage of PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are environmental endocrine disruptors thought to interfere with glucose metabolism in humans. Most of the related research has focused on population epidemiological studies, with the underlying mechanisms remaining unresolved. Using an in vivo animal model, we examined the effects of oral administration of two commonly used PAEs [di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)] on glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. DEHP (750 mg/kg, 1/40 LD50), DBP (500 mg/kg, 1/40 LD50), and DEHP (750 mg/kg) + DBP (500 mg/kg) exert an influence on glucose metabolism and elicit a reduction in insulin sensitivity in rats. Furthermore, these substances induce detrimental effects on the structure and functionality of pancreatic ß-cells. DEHP and/or DBP triggered an increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; a reduction in the phosphorylation of phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt473) proteins; an increase in the relative expression of Bax, Caspase-8, cleaved-Caspase-9, and cleaved-Caspase-3; and a reduction in the relative expression of Bcl-2-related Bax in pancreatic tissue and of gastrocnemius glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Based on these findings, these PAEs can disrupt glucose metabolism, possibly via oxidative damage of the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 pathway; this damage induces pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis, affects pancreatic ß-cell function, and affects glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in rats. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to show that the combined effect of the two PAEs affects glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in rats that is significantly higher than the effects of each PAE. Thus, safety standards and studies do not consider this effect as a significant oversight when blending PAEs. We assert that this must be addressed and corrected for establishing more impactful and safer standards.

Study of the mechanism underlying the role of PINK1/Parkin in the formic acid-induced autophagy of PC12 cells.

This study aimed to explore PINK1/Parkin's role in methanol metabolite formic acid-induced autophagy in PC12 cells and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating methanol-induced neurotoxicity. After treatment with different formic acid concentrations, we observed the morphology and mitochondria of PC12 cells. We used an ultra-micro enzyme kit to detect the mitochondrial Na+ -K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase activities; a JC-1 kit to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); MDC staining to detect the autophagy levels; and western blotting to measure the expression levels of the mitochondrial marker protein COX IV and the autophagy-related proteins Beclin1, P62 and LC3II/LC3I, and the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic levels of PINK1, Parkin and P-Parkin. Compared with the control group, the mitochondrial diameters, the mitochondrial Na+ -K+ -ATP and Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase activities, the MMP, and the COX IV expression levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The fluorescence signal intensity (indicating autophagy); relative Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels; and relative mitochondrial PINK1, Parkin and P-Parkin levels increased significantly, and the relative P62 protein expression levels and relative cytoplasmic PINK1, Parkin and P-Parkin levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Thus, formic acid alters mitochondrial morphology, causes mitochondrial dysfunction, affects the PINK/Parkin pathway and, thus, activates the process of mitochondrial autophagy.

[Interaction of IL-6 gene with tumor necrosis factor-α and white blood cell in metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between the polymorphisms and interaction of the interleukin 6(IL-6) genes at-634 C/G, -174 G/C, -1363 G/T loci, as well as the interactions between the three loci and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), and peripheral blood leukocytes(white blood cell, WBC) with metabolic syndrome(MS). METHODS: Using the case-control research method, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, from March 2015 to March 2016 from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Wuzhong City People's Hospital, 376 unrelated cases and 408 control groups were selected. We conducted questionnaire surveys(including general conditions, disease and medication history, family history, etc. ), physical examinations(including height, weight and calculation of body mass index(BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference and calculation of waist-to-hip ratio(WHR), SBP, DBP, etc. ), blood collection and testing(including WBC count, serum TNF-α level and biochemical indicators TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, FPG, UA, AST, ALT, etc. ), and the polymorphism detection of IL-6 gene at-634 C/G, -174 G/C, -1363 G/T sites. The SNPstats online software was used to analyze the relationship between the polymorphisms of IL-6 gene and MS. The SHEsis online software was used to analyze the linkage disequilibrium(LD) of the IL-6 three-site and the relationship between haplotype and MS. GMDR 0. 7 software was used to analyze the interactions among the three sites of IL-6 gene, and one between the three sites and TNF-α and WBC, respectively. RESULTS: Before and after adjustment of sex, age and nationality, the polymorphism at the 3 position of IL-6 gene was not related to the onset of MS in different genetic models(both P> 0. 05). There was a linkage disequilibrium between the three loci of IL-6 gene, but the haploids formed by these three loci were not associated with MS susceptibility(all P> 0. 05). There was no interaction among the three sites, but the two-factor, three-factor, and four-factor interaction models consisting of the three sites and TNF-α were all statistically significant(all P<0. 001) and the replacement tests were all P<0. 001, and were all associated with MS occurrence. The two-factor, three-factor, and four-factor interaction models consisting of the three sites and WBC were all P<0. 01, and the replacement tests were all P<0. 05. The differences were statistically significant, which was related to the onset of MS. CONCLUSION: The IL-6 gene-634 C/G, -174 G/C, and-1363 G/T loci polymorphism may not be significantly associated with the prevalence of MS. Interactions between the three sites and TNF-α and WBC levels can significantly increase the risk of MS.

Enrichment and characterization of an effective hexavalent chromium-reducing microbial community YEM001.

Chromium (Cr) is one of the most widely used heavy metals in industrial processes, resulting in water and soil pollution that seriously threaten environmental safety. In this paper, we have directionally enriched a Cr(VI)-reducing bacterial community YEM001 from no-Cr(VI) polluted pond sedimental sludge by selectively growing it in Cr(VI)-containing media. This community could effectively reduce Cr(VI) in laboratory rich media containing different concentrations of Cr(VI), such as 61% reduction at 435 mg/L Cr(VI), 85% reduction at 355 mg/L Cr(VI), and complete reduction at 269 mg/L Cr(VI) in 93.5 h. It was also able to completely reduce 100 mg/L and 300 mg/L Cr(VI) in landfill leachate and natural sludge in 48 h, respectively. Optimal pH for Cr(VI) reduction of the YEM001 is between 7 and 8 and the best efficiency for Cr(VI) reduction occurs at 30 °C. Metagenomic data demonstrated that the YEM001 community was composed of multiple bacteria, including well-known Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria and non-Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria. Delftia, Comamonas, Alicycliphilus, Acidovorax, Bacillus, and Clostridioides account for 83% of total community abundance. The stability of the composition of the YEM001 community and its Cr(VI)-reducing activity allows for its application in bioremediation of environmental Cr(VI) pollution.

Electrochemical determination of bisphenol A at ordered mesoporous carbon modified nano-carbon ionic liquid paste electrode.

A simple bisphenol A (BPA) sensor was successfully fabricated based on ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 modified nano-carbon ionic liquid paste electrode (CMK-3/nano-CILPE). The nanostructure of CMK-3 and the surface morphologies of modified electrodes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical properties of the fabricated electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The fabricated sensor displayed excellent electroactivity towards bisphenol A using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Experimental conditions influencing the analytical performance of the modified electrode were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to BPA concentration in the range from 0.2 µM to 150 µM with a detection limit of 0.05 µM (S/N=3). This method was successfully used for determination of BPA leached from drinking bottle and plastic bag with good recoveries.

[Study on the relationship between transaminase activity and metabolic syndrome in Hui and Han nationality of Ningxia Province].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the transaminase activity in serum and metabolic syndrome( MS) and its related indicators in Hui and Han nationality of Ningxia Province. METHODS: Using the method of case-control study, people of regional organizations who received regular health checks in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Wuzhong City People's Hospital from the October 2011 to October 2012 were enrolled in the study. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 877 unrelated cases with metabolic syndrome as the case group and 655 unrelated health cases as control group. Date were collected through questionnaire investigation, physical examination and laboratory tests. The association between the transaminase activity and MS was analyzed by Chi-square test, t test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The average levels and abnormality rate of AST and ALT in case group were significantly higher than that of control group, especially the average levels and abnormality rate of ALT, there were significant difference( t =-3. 971, t =-6. 048, χ2= 11. 556, χ2=33. 231, all P < 0. 01). To control the AST and ALT levels of seventy-five percent in control group and 40 U/L as the boundary and divided all the research object into low, medium and high groups. After adjustment for gender, age, nationality, culture degree, smoking and drinking, the odds ratios for MS were 1. 663( 95% CI 1. 263-2. 189) and2. 126( 95% CI 1. 586-2. 852) in the people with the medium AST, ALT levels people and low AST and ALT levels people, the odds ratios for MS were 2. 801( 95% CI 1. 696-4. 624) and 4. 918( 95% CI 2. 980-8. 116) in the people with the high AST, ALT levels people and low AST and ALT levels people, the odds ratios for MS were 2. 517( 95% CI1. 530-4. 142) and 4. 194( 95% CI 2. 554-6. 885) in the people with the high AST, ALT levels people and low and medium AST and ALT levels people. With the number of components of metabolic syndrome increases, the average levels of AST, ALT increased gradually, there were significant difference( F = 7. 742, F = 11. 753, all P < 0. 01). Comparing the average levels of AST and ALT of different age groups, except the control group, there were significant difference( all P < 0. 05). The average levels of AST and ALT of Hui is higher than that of Han nationality, but there were no significant difference( all P > 0. 05). The average levels of AST and ALT of male was significantly higher than that of female, there were significant difference in addition to the average levels of AST of case group( all P < 0. 01). There were significant difference in the average levels of AST, ALT in case, control and total survey population between different BMI levels( all P <0. 05). CONCLUSION: The average levels of AST and ALT are closely related with the incidence of MS, in normal range, the levels of AST and ALT on the high side can increase the risk of MS, and the risk of MS creased significantly in the abnormal increase ones. The levels of AST and ALT can become an important factor to predict the risk of MS, synthetically evaluate the risk factors of MS and predict the progress of the MS.

[Study on the relationship between WBC count levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hui and Han nationality of Ningxia].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between WBC count levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hui and Han nationality of Ningxia. METHODS: Using the method of case-control study, people of regional organizations and institutions aged 20 - 60 who received medical health checkup and endocrine patients in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical College and WuZhong city People's Hospital from October 2011 to October 2012 were enrolled in the study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of T2DM patients and control groups, with gender, ethnic and age are not more than 3 years old cases and controls of matching, the T2DM group (case group) of 351 cases and non-T2DM group (control group) of 655 cases were determined. These subjects underwent questionnaire investigation, understand first, like the situation, the way of life, disease and medication history, family history. Physical examination: including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and according to the height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI), and laboratory tests, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), blood uric acid (UA ), nmda aminotransferase ( AST) , alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood biochemical indexes. Results Diabetes group of average age (50.28 + 8.32), 194 patients with male, (55.27%), 157 patients with female (44.73%) and control group in average age (50. 17 + 7. 14) , including 337 men (51.45% ) and 318 women (48.55%). Average age, gender, the proportion between the two groups had no statistical significance of difference. The white blood cell value of T2DM group (6.66 x 10(9) ± 1.61 x 10(9)/L) was higher than that of non-T2DM group (6.11 x 10(9) ± 1.49 x 10(9)/L), there was a significant difference (t = -5.430, P < 0.01); Comparing the mean value of white blood cell of Hui (6.459 x 10(9) ± 1.45 x 10(9)/L) and Han nationality (6.169 x 10(9) ± 1.63 x 10(9)/L), there was a significant difference (P < 0.05). T2DM group, the abnormal level of white blood cell was 2.6%, that of non-T2DM group was 0.8%, The T2DM group was significantly higher than that of non-T2DM group (χ2 = 4.168, P = 0.041). Comparing the abnormal level of white blood cell of Hui and Han nationality, there was no significant difference. After adjustment for age, gender, nation, TG, TC, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST and blood glucose, the odds ratios for T2MD were 4.072 in the people with the WBC abnormal people and the WBC normal people. After adjustment for age, gender sick or not, TG, TC, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST and blood glucose, the odds ratios for WBC increased were 1. 582 in the people with the Hui and Han nationality. CONCLUSION: The WBC count levels are closely associated with type 2 diabetes, and with the increase of the level, the association enhanced gradually, the WBC may be involved in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes. there is a certain relationship between ethnic genetic factors and the WBC count level.

[Association between occupational psychological stress and metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between occupational psychological stress and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Hui and Han populations in Ningxia, China. METHODS: A 1:1 matched case-control study was performed. A total of 600 unrelated patients aged from 20 to 60 years who were clearly diagnosed with MS in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Wuzhong People's Hospital from October 2011 to October 2012 were collected as the case group (MS group). A total of 600 healthy people who underwent a regular health examination in the same hospital during the same period were selected as the control group with matched gender, nationality, and age (≤ ± 3 years). The self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the general situations and do the physical examination, and the fasting venous blood samples were collected for laboratory biochemical blood tests. The Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI) was used to investigate the subjects' occupational stress factors and stress levels. RESULTS: With the increase in stress levels, the levels of WC, FPG, TG, AST, and UA were increased, WHR, SBP, and DBP first increased and then decreased, and the level of HDL-C increased. There were statistically significant differences in these parameters between the two groups (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The occupational psychological stress test results showed that the total score of stress factors (t = 6.676, P < 0.05), workload (t = 10.269, P < 0.05), interpersonal relationship (t = 6.569, P < 0.05), family/work balance (t = 2.028, P < 0.05), cognitive load (t = 8.714, P < 0.05), and other scores (t = 2.838, P < 0.05) in the MS group were all significantly higher than those in the control group, but there were no significant differences in the scores of management role, work responsibilities, and organizational climate between the MS group and the control group (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the total score of stress factors and the score of each factor between Hui and Han groups (P>0.05). The relative risks of MS in the people with moderate stress exposure were 2.325 and 2.331 times those in the people with mild stress exposure before and after adjustment for age, gender, education level, marriage status, smoking, and drinking, and the relative risks for MS in the people with severe stress exposure were 3.000 and 3.126 times those in the people with mild stress exposure. There were significant differences in the detection rates of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and diabetes between the sub-groups with different stress levels in the MS group (χ² = 17.636, 8.514, 14.640, 14.280, and 33.323, P < 0.01). The results of multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for MS were SBP, TG, LDL-C, UA, BMI, fasting blood glucose, family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes, and the level of psychological stress in Ningxia, and the protective factor for MS was HDL-C. CONCLUSION: The occupational psychological stress is closely associated with MS, and it is an environmental risk factor for MS. With the increase in the stress level, the detection rates of MS components and the relative risk for MS are significantly increased. And there is no significant difference in the level of occupational psychological stress between the Hui and Han nationality groups.

Impact of elevated aspartate and alanine aminotransferase on metabolic syndrome and its components among adult people living in Ningxia, China.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. It suggests an association between an elevated serum aminotransferase level and MS. Little data show the relationship between the levels of serum aminotransferase and the incidence of MS in Ningxia, China. METHODS: A total of 5415 subjects who received medical health checkups from 2007 to 2009 were enrolled in the study. The participants were interviewed by trained health workers under a structured questionnaire. MS was defined according to the modified ATPIII criteria for Asian Americans by the American Heart Association (AHA-ATP III). RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT (>40 U/L) were 7.1% and 22.2% in males, and 2.1% and 4.8% in females respectively. The prevalence of MS was 32.1% in males and 15.4% in females. The components of MS were significantly more in the group with elevated aminotransferase levels than in the group with normal aminotransferase levels. The odds ratios (95% CI) for elevated AST were 1.90 (1.49, 2.42), 2.59 (2.01, 3.39), 1.68 (1.32, 2.15), and 1.81 (1.36, 2.42) in the adults with abdominal obesity, high serum triglycerides levels, high blood pressure, and high plasma glucose levels respectively. After adjustment for age, the odds ratios (95% CI) for elevated ALT were 3.08 (2.63, 3.61), 4.30 (3.64, 5.08), 1.26 (1.08, 1.48), 2.16 (1.93, 2.65) and 2.38 (1.96, 2.87) in adults with abdominal obesity, high serum triglycerides levels, low serum high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), high blood pressure, and high plasma glucose levels respectively. The odds ratios (95% CI) for elevated AST were 1.67 (1.06, 2.63), 2.28 (1.46, 3.63), 2.59 (1.59, 4.21) and for elevated ALT 2.02 (1.50, 2.73), 2.68 (1.96, 3.65), 3.94 (2.86, 5.43) for the subjects with 1, 2, and ≥3 risk factors after adjustment for age, gender, and BMI. CONCLUSION: The serum aminotransferase levels were higher in males compared to females, and serum ALT level was more closely associated with MS than the AST level in adults in Ningxia, China. With an increasing the number of components of MS, the aminotransferase levels and the risks for elevated aminotransferase increase, whereas the AST/ALT ratios decrease.

[Study on the relationship between obesity and lipid metabolism in children and adolescent in yinchuan].

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the relationship between obesity and hyperlipidemia in children and adolescent. METHODS: According to the BMI classification criteria of overweight and obesity screening in Chinese school-age child and adolescent, and the gender and nationality, age ( ≤1 year-old), we performed the 1:1:1 match of the obesity, overweight and normal, there were 321 subjects in each group. Using "national unified measurement and method of youth physical fitness research", we did physical measurements on the subjects, and collected fasting venous blood to do biochemical detections, including blood glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C ) , low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). RESULTS: The differences of weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, SBP, DBP, TG, TC, LDL-C were statistically significant among the three groups (all P <0. 01 or 0. 05), the obese group was significantly higher than the normal group. With the increase of BMI, the abnormal rate of TG and TC were all upward trend, the obese group was significantly higher than the normal group, the differences were statistically significant( all P <0. 01 or 0. 05). After controlling factors of gender, nationality and age, TG was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-high ratio (WHtR) (all P <0.01 or 0.05), HDL-C was negatively correlated with and BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and WHtR (all P <0. 01 or 0. 05). After adjusting gender, nationality and age, with the increase of BMI, the risk for hyperlipidemia increased significantly, the risk of the obese group for hyperlipidemia was 1. 593 times than the normal group (95% CI 1. 144 -2. 220), it was statistically significance (P <0. 01). The level of TC, LDL-C and HDL-C in Muslim children and adolescents were higher than in Han., the level of TG were lower than in Han, but the differences were not statistically significant( All P > 0. 05) ). The abnormal rates of TC, LDL-C in Muslim children and adolescents were higher than in Han, the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The blood lipids levels of obese children and adolescents were obviously higher than that of normal one, especially TG and TC; obesity significantly increased the risk for hyperlipidemia in children and adolescents; the abnormal rates of TC, LDL-C in Muslim children and adolescents were significantly higher than in Han; Whether it is associated with ethnic genetic, remains to be further research.

[Study on plantaer pressure distribution of people walking with different backpack load].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different backpack load on the plantar pressure of people during walking. By using three-dimensional force platform system, we collected the ground reaction force data from 20 college students, who were carrying different loads on their backs, and then we transformed the data into a characteristic two-peak curve. Seven characteristic parameters on the curve were selected and analyzed by using statistical methods. The results indicated that the peak ground reaction forces increased as the loads increased. Furthermore, in consideration of different genders, the amount increased was different. For the male subjects, when backpack load reached 17% body weight, changes in ground reaction force began to take place until the backloads reached 20% body weight changes in ground reaction force induced a significant difference. Por the female subjects, changes in ground reaction force began to take place with loads up to 14% body weight and while it reached 15% body weight it induced a significant difference.

[Relationship between occupational stress and type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of occupational stress and related factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD). METHODS: In case-control study, a questionnaire survey was conducted in 201 T2MD patients and 201 controls, who were selected from the staff members of organizations, enterprises, and institutions in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, to acquire the information on general condition and occupational stress. These subjects also underwent physical examinations and blood biochemical analyses. RESULTS: The T2MD group had significantly higher total occupational stress score, as well as the scores on such factors as workload, interpersonal relationship, and home/work balance than the control group (P < 0.01). After adjustment for age, gender, education level, smoking, and drinking, the odds ratios for T2MD were 2.538 and 3.075 in the people with moderate and severe stress, respectively, compared to those with mild stress. The risk factors for T2MD included drinking, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, triglyceride level, and total occupational stress score, while the protective factors included educational level and high-density lipoprotein level. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress is associated with the incidence of T2MD; the higher the degree of stress, the greater the risk of T2MD. Relevant measures should be taken to reduce the occupational stress or improve the ability of workers to cope with the stress, thus decreasing the incidence of T2MD among occupational population.

[Relationship between occupational stress and blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure of video display terminal operators].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between occupational stress and blood glucose, Blood lipid and blood pressure. METHODS: 108 video display terminals(VDT) operators who had the working experience were recruited to the study. The occupational stress indicator (OSI), the lever of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein of high density and lipoprotein of low density in serum were measured by using GOD-PAP, CHOD-PAP, GPO-PAP and PVS. The subjects were classified into three groups according to the score of occupational stress. RESULTS: The contents of blood glucose of low, middle and high level of stress groups were (3.39 +/- 1.24), (3.59 +/- 1.26), (2.54 +/- 0.94) mmol/L respectively (F = 7.324, P < 0.01), and with the increase of level of stress, the content of blood glucose decreased significantly (r = -0.376, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The level of blood glucose of VDT operators is affected by occupational stress, among video display terminals and it can be used as the index for estimating occupational stress.

[A study on occupational stress in commercial workers of a supermarket in Yinchuan].

OBJECTIVE: To study difference in occupational stress between men and women commercial workers in a supermarket in Yinchuan, Ningxia. METHODS: Totally, 679 commercial workers in a supermarket were investigated with questionnaire of occupational stress indicator (OSI), matched on age, length of service, educational level, marital status and type of work. RESULTS: Score of occupational stress factors, relationships, home/work balance and organizational atmosphere in women commercial workers was 143.48, 30.86, 20.82 and 15.16, respectively, obviously higher than that in men, with 134.89, 28.61, 18.75 and 13.93, respectively. Score of psychological health and satisfaction in women was 39.86 and 14.82, respectively, lower than that in men, with 43.84 and 17.66, respectively, which indicate that occupational stress in women was more severe with a more stressful psychological reaction than in men. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the main predicting factor for job satisfaction was personal relationships in women, and organizational atmosphere, managerial role and workload in men. Those for psychological health was control strategy and organizational atmosphere in women, and organizational atmosphere and recognition in men, those for physical illness was workload in women and support strategy and physical exercises in men, and those for stress level was support strategy in women and coping strategy in men. CONCLUSIONS: Women commercial workers experienced much more stress, with more severe stress reaction in their work, than men did. The main factors affecting occupational stress reaction and level of stress in women and men were not quite similar.