RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Meat processing is among the most extensive industries globally. However, data on the effects of occupational exposure on the pulmonary health of slaughterhouse workers is limited. Ascertaining the impact of the slaughterhouse atmosphere on the breathing habits of laborers exposed to it and the inflammatory markers associated with it was the aim of the current investigation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 82 non-smoker subjects of 41 male workers working in one of the major slaughterhouses in Cairo, Egypt, matched to 41 controls of administrative personnel. An elaborate questionnaire encompassing medical and occupational history was administered to each participant in the research. General and local systemic examinations and ventilatory function tests were carried out, and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured. RESULTS: Respiratory symptoms were more prevalent with a statistically significant decline in ventilatory function parameters (FVC%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, and PEF%) among the exposed group compared to those of control. In addition, there was a significantly higher serum level of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and hsCRP) among the exposed group compared to the control group, with a negative correlation with ventilatory functions. Moreover, there was a positive association between levels of serum IL-6 and hsCRP and the age and duration of employment of workers. CONCLUSION: There was a notable increase in the prevalence of respiratory disorders and inflammatory markers among slaughterhouse workers. Additionally, there was a substantial decrease in ventilatory function parameters, which could be attributed to the bioaerosols they encountered in the workplace.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Copper smelter workers are exposed to harmful chemical agents in dust and fumes which contain harmful metals such as copper and arsenic. These substances are known to be respiratory irritants. METHODS: This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to copper and arsenic on the respiratory system. A group of 75 male exposed workers, and 75 male administrative employees (control group) were recruited from a secondary copper smelting factory. Full history, complete clinical examination, ventilatory function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1 and FEF), and chest X-ray were done for both groups. Serum levels of ICAM-1 and IL8 (as markers of epithelial injury) were measured by ELISA. Serum copper and arsenic were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The exposed group was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, higher serum copper, arsenic, and ICAM-1and Il-8 as compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in ventilatory parameters among the exposed group: 58.7% of the exposed group had restrictive lung impairment, 40% had obstructive impairment. In the exposed group a positive correlation between serum copper, arsenic and serum ICAM and IL8 was found. While a negative correlation was observed between both serum ICAM, IL8 and ventilatory parameters among the exposed group. Moreover, 36% of the exposed group had radiological infiltrates on chest X.ray. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to copper and arsenic was associated with ventilatory and radiological impairment, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of ICAM-1 and IL8, which can be used as biomarkers for pulmonary impairment among copper smelter workers.
Asunto(s)
Arsénico , Exposición Profesional , Cobre , Humanos , Interleucina-8 , Pulmón , Masculino , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/análisisRESUMEN
Cadmium (Cd) is widespread throughout the environment and is used in the electroplating industry. It has been found to have an effect on the endocrine system. However, its effects and their underlying mechanisms are still not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate how cadmium exposure at work affected the levels of thyroid hormones and the associated inflammatory and oxidative markers. This study was conducted in an electroplating industry in Cairo, Egypt. Ninety male cadmium-exposed workers were matched with 90 male unexposed participants. A detailed questionnaire was designed and given to every participant in the study, and full clinical examinations were carried out. Blood samples were collected from all participants for determination of levels of serum cadmium, thyroid hormones, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Morning midstream urine samples were obtained to measure urine cadmium levels. Results showed that the total blood and urinary cadmium levels were significantly higher in the exposed group (2.38 ± 0.94 µg/L and 5.45 ± 1.92 µg/g creatinine, respectively) than in the unexposed group. The serum levels of anti-TPO antibody, TSH, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α also were significantly higher in the cadmium-exposed group than in the unexposed group. Significant direct relationships were seen between the biological indices of cadmium exposure and anti-TPO antibodies, TSH, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA. It was concluded that there is a link between occupational cadmium exposure and autoimmune hypothyroidism, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers.
Asunto(s)
Cadmio , Exposición Profesional , Biomarcadores , Cadmio/toxicidad , Cadmio/orina , Galvanoplastia , Humanos , Interleucina-6 , Masculino , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Glándula Tiroides , Tirotropina , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfaRESUMEN
There is a pressing need to find reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of silica-induced nephropathy. Abundant genes are upregulated in damaged kidneys with subsequent protein products appearing in the urine. Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) are among the most promising. Our objective was to study the importance of L-FABP and KIM-1 genes and their urinary proteins in the early detection of silica-induced renal injury, as compared with other conventional biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 pottery workers occupationally exposed to silica, as compared to 90 controls. A full history taking and complete clinical examination were performed. Levels of serum creatinine, liver enzymes, urinary silicon, KIM-1, and L-FABP gene expression and protein products were measured. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, and abdominal ultrasound was performed. The results showed that the silica-exposed group had a statistically significant increase in serum creatinine and urinary silica, as well as a significant decrease in eGFR. Additionally, a significant increase in KIM-1 and L-FABP gene expression, associated with a significant increase in their urinary protein, was found among the exposed group. A positive correlation between urinary silica level and L-FABP gene expression was also found. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for L-FABP and KIM-1 gene as predictors for silica-induced nephropathy showed that L-FABP gene and protein specificity were greater than the KIM-1 gene and protein. Taken together, these findings suggest that the L-FABP gene and its protein product may be used as early indicators for renal injury among silica exposed workers.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas de Unión a Ácidos Grasos/genética , Receptor Celular 1 del Virus de la Hepatitis A/genética , Insuficiencia Renal Crónica/sangre , Insuficiencia Renal Crónica/genética , Dióxido de Silicio/sangre , Adulto , Biomarcadores , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Creatinina/sangre , Egipto , Femenino , Expresión Génica , Receptor Celular 1 del Virus de la Hepatitis A/análisis , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Insuficiencia Renal Crónica/inducido químicamente , Insuficiencia Renal Crónica/orina , Dióxido de Silicio/efectos adversos , Dióxido de Silicio/orina , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Occupational stress is a major health problem among nurses. Critical care nurses appear to experience more stress at work compared to others. Stress is associated with multiple system disorders, hormonal, and immunological disturbances, and genetic effects. The aim of our study was the detection of health effects of work-related stress and to investigate the link between stress and immune response, alterations of hormones, and expression of micro-RNA (miRNA) among critical care nurses. An exposed 80 critical care nurses matched to 80 controls were involved in our study. Full history, psychological assessment using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) and a complete clinical examination were done for both groups. Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, micro-RNA26, and 142 extractions. The exposed group had a mean age of 41 ± 10 years old and mean work duration of 22 ± 9.7 years, matched to 80 controls. The exposed group (32.5%) was associated with severe psychological distress (GHQ scores > 20) compared to only 5% among controls. In addition, the exposed group had a significantly higher level of miRNA 26, miRNA 142, TSH, LH, and IL-6 when compared to the control group. However, there a significantly lower level of FT4 among the exposed group compared to the control group, there were no statistically significant differences between the studied participants regarging FT3,FSH and IL-10 levels. Stress is prevalent among critical care nurses and is reflected on their psychological health with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and disturbances in endocrine functions.
Asunto(s)
Personal de Enfermería en Hospital/psicología , Personal de Enfermería en Hospital/estadística & datos numéricos , Estrés Laboral/fisiopatología , Estrés Laboral/psicología , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Cuidados Críticos , Enfermería de Cuidados Críticos , Estudios Transversales , Citocinas/sangre , Egipto , Sistema Endocrino , Femenino , Indicadores de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estrés Laboral/sangre , ARN Mensajero/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Pottery-related activities are characterized by the emission of multiple air pollutants in the form of particulate matter, gases, and organic compounds. These pollutants are associated with adverse neuropsychological effects. This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to air pollutants on the neuropsychiatric health. METHODS: A total of 180 male workers (90 exposed workers and 90 administrative employees) were recruited from pottery-making activities in the Fawakher region located in old Cairo (Misr Al-Kadema); the administrative employees were the control group. Personal, medical, and family histories, general and neurological clinical examination, and neuropsychological assessments were recorded. Serum levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal levels (4HNE) were measured by ELISA. Environmental measurement of workplace air pollutants was performed. RESULTS: Environmental monitoring of the workplace revealed that workers are exposed to high levels of SO2 and NO2 as these exceeded the national standard levels. Compared to the control group, the exposed workers' group demonstrated a significant decrease in digit forwards score, digit backward score, and symbol digit score and a significant higher Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Benton Visual Retention score. The level of 4HNE was significantly increased among the exposed workers' group compared to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to air pollutants is associated with impairment in neuropsychological functions, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of 4HNE, which is a biomarker for oxidative stress among Egyptian pottery workers.