EFFECTS OF DURATION OF EXPOSURE ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN LIQUEFIED PROPANE GAS WORKERS

Abstract

The relationship between duration of exposure to liquefied propane gas (LPG) and the biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant status were assessed in Iraqi LPG workers, and compared with those of non-exposed healthy controls. Fifty five adult male workers (age range 36. 6 ± 3.8 years) in liquefied propane gas stations in the District of Baquba were enrolled in the present study. They were allocated into 3 groups according to the duration of exposure to LPG (1-9, 10-20 and more than 20 years). Twenty five healthy subjects, not exposed to LPG, with age range comparable to that of workers (37.2 ± 4.0 years) were utilized as controls. Blood samples (10 ml) were obtained from all subjects for the evaluation of hemoglobin (Hb), methemoglobin (MetHb), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total protein, albumin and uric acid levels, in addition to the activities of the antioxidant enzymes Catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The results showed significant differences in the levels of MetHb, lipid peroxidation parameters and antioxidant enzymes activities in LPG workers compared to controls. Meanwhile, workers with different duration of exposure to LPG demonstrated significant differences only in MetHb, MDA and catalase activity. In conclusion, the changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes may be useful as indicator for the impact of duration of exposure in LPG workers