Oxidative stress parameters in blood and urine of metal-shelf factory workers

Objectives: We have investigated the level of antioxidants (glutathione (GSH), GSH-reductase, GSH-peroxidase, GSH-transferase, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), lipid peroxidation products (plasma, erythrocyte and urinary malondialdehyde (MDA)) and urinary DNA damage product 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-2'-dG) in metal-shelf factory workers and compared the levels to those of a control group working in a different work area. Methods: Twenty four workers working in a metal shelf production factory and sixteen apparently healthy male volunteers without environmental and work place exposure were included in the study. Blood and urine samples were examined for oxidative stress parameters. Measurement of 8-OH-2'-dG was by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while other parameters were measured by colorimetric methods. Results: GSH-transferase, CAT, SOD activities and plasma, erythrocyte and urinary MDA levels of metal shelf production factory workers were higher than for the control group, whereas, GSH-peroxidase and GSH in workers were lower than for controls. Moreover, while GSH-reductase activity was lower, 8-OH-2'-dG level was higher than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result of increased industrialization, air pollution and hazardous working conditions there is a deterioration of the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels which affects the structure of macromolecules such as DNA, lipids and proteins.