Tibbi-i-kar

Introduction: The aim of this study was evaluating oxidative stress biomarkers in workers in ceramic and glazed tiles industry. These workers are exposed to various kinds of occupational harmful agents especially metal oxides including silicon, lead, aluminum, chromium, cobalt, titanium, zinc, cadmium oxides and other harmful elements such as sound, infrared radiation, radon gas and heat stress. The present study was carried out to assess exposure effects of heavy metals on oxidant and antioxidant status which may induce related health hazards and occupational diseases. Methods: The present study is an analytical study (case-control). 40 male ceramic industry workers and 39 male employees who were not exposed to harmful as a control group were included in the study. In both groups blood samples were obtained. In these blood samples, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant power (TAC) , total thiol groups (TTG) and catalase activity (CAT) were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 20. Results: The results expressed as Mean SD showed induction of oxidative stress in workers as revealed by increased plasma LPO (1.46 0.559 vs 1.15 0.658, nmol/ml P = 0.031), CAT (10.273 15.309, 4.817 4.407 vs U/ml P = 0.035). TAC (550.88 104.47 vs 807.23 138.52 µmol/ml P = 0.000) and TTG (0.388 0.058 vs 0.423 0.095, nmol/ml P = 0.028) in comparison to those of controls. Conclusion: It is concluded ceramic workers have elevated LPO level, CAT activity and decreased TAC and TTG. These results indicate that long exposure to heavy metals leads to induction of activity of anti-oxidant enzyme and in general leads to increase in oxidative stress of ceramic industry workers