Background: Genetic material is known to be one of the sensitive targets of wood dust. Objectives: This study aimed at measurement of the concentration of the respirable fraction of wood dust generated by different wood operating processes. In addition, the study investigated DNA damage among wood dust exposed carpenters and its relation to oxidative stress (OS) induced by exposure to wood dust. Methods: Several air samples were collected from 4 carpentry workshops dealing with soft and hard types of unpolished wood and the respirable wood dust concentration was calculated. The study population consisted of an exposed group (n=28) and a matched control group (n=26). Every participant underwent occupational questionnaire, assessment of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) (as an index for DNA damage) and serum glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX) as one of the antioxidant enzymes. Results: The highest respirable wood dust concentration was that generated by sawing operations. Laboratory investigations revealed statistically significantly higher frequency of CA which was associated with significant decrement in serum GPX among the exposed workers. Increased CA was positively correlated with the duration and the degree of exposure. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to wood dust is associated with genotoxicity and oxidative stress. This could be due to lack of protective measures, so there is a need to educate the carpenters about the potential hazard of occupational exposure and the importance of using protective measures.

Introduction: It is well known that ionizing radiation (IR) exposure increases the risk of thyroid cancer; however less is known about its role in development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Aim of work: to investigate the thyroid gland functions, level of anti TPO among interventional cardiology team members searching for an association between the level of their occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and the thyroid gland integrity. Materials and methods: This work was carried out in Cardiac Catheterization Unit in National Heart Institute Center. The study comprised two groups, an exposed group of 47 cardiac catheterization workers (19 physicians, 15 nurses and 13 technicians) and a control group of 47 workers matched with the exposed group as regards age and sex. The studied groups were subjected to a detailed questionnaire, full clinical examinations. laboratory investigations in the form of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4) and antithyroxiperoxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Radiation exposure was monitored by digital dosimeter. Results: Dosimeter readings were higher among physicians followed by nurses and technicians. Statistically significant higher level of serum TSH, anti-TPO along with statistically significant lower levels of T3, were found among the exposed compared to control groups (P<0.05). Significant positive correlation was detected between the level of anti-TPO and TSH (r= 0.876 P<0.001). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was found between anti-TPO and each of T3 (r= -0.814 P<0.001) and T4 (r= -0.324 P<0.05). ANOVA and Post Hoc tests showed significantly higher level of anti-TPO with significantly lower levels of T3 among the physicians compared to control group. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroiditis may be considered as one of the adverse health hazards of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in cardiac catheterization units. Recommendations: We recommend the regular measurement of thyroid hormone especially TSH and anti-TPO to detect early affection of thyroid gland among radiation exposed workers.

Aim: This work aimed at studying the prevalence of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) among heat-exposed workers and the extent of having the high risk factors particularly dyslipidemia and hypertension among this group of workers. Besides, the cardioprotective role of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), as a molecular heat exposure biomarker, was clarified. Subjects: The study subjects consisted of a heat-exposed 29 bakers group employed in 10 manual bakeries and a matched heat unexposed group (n= 29). Methods: Every individual underwent occupational and clinical history taking, resting electrocardiogram (ECG), estimation of serum lipid profile parameters,{ total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG)} and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Results: Analysis of history showed significantly higher prevalence of heat cramps ( 27.5%) and heat rash ( 34.5%) among the heat-exposed group. Resting ECG revealed ischemic manifestations in 20.6% of the heat-exposed workers versus 13.7% of their controls (P<0.05). Marked significant increase in all lipid profile parameters was detected in the heat-exposed individuals with positive correlation with duration of work. The HSP 70 level was 2 times higher among the heat-exposed group. The individuals having ischemic manifestations had lower HSP70 level. Conclusion: Working in hot environments can induce unfavorable increase in blood lipids which predisposes workers to IHD. As HSP 70 which is known to have a cardio-protective role declines with age with consequent diminishing of its cardio-protective role, elderly workers exposed to heat would have higher incidence of IHD which necessitates avoidance of working under hot conditions.

Introduction: The use of anesthetic gases might lead to Chromosomal Aberrations (CAs) among the operating room personnel. Aim of work: To monitor isoflurane air level in the environment of operating rooms denoting the use of anesthetic gases, and to assess the CAs among operating room (OR) personnel. Materials and Methods: Operating room personnel 184 (68 males and 116 females) were included in the study and compared with 192 other hospital areas personnel (63 males and 129 females). All subjects filled a questionnaire including personnel, family, past and present histories. All subjects were tested for chromosomal aberrations. Operating theaters were evaluated regarding the type of breathing circuits used whether open or closed, the type of anesthetic gases used, presence of air conditioning, and scavenging system. Isoflurane air level was measured using the organic method 103 by OSHA. Results: OR personnel had significantly higher percentage of CAs than control group (p value <0.001). Also it is higher with higher concentrations of waste anesthetic gases. There was a positive correlation between prolonged exposure to high concentrations of anesthetic gases and the occurrence of CAs among exposed OR personnel. Smoking had positive significant effect on frequency of CAs (p value = 0.017). Isoflurane air level was higher than NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (RELs) in most of measured points, and that the level is higher in dual open and closed circuits using theaters, also the level was higher in points near the anesthesia machine and in recovery rooms than critical care rooms. Conclusion: Isoflurane air level was higher than RELs in most of measured points. Personnel working in operating theaters are more at risk to

Introduction: Despite that bisphenol A (BPA) was widely used in industry, it can exert a number of toxicological effects on tissues mainly the endocrine system through its estrogenic action. Aim of work: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible effect of occupational exposure of BPA on insulin homeostasis and diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A case control cross sectional study was performed in one of the international factories manufacturing fiberglass and PVC pipes located in 6th of October City. The study population was divided into 2 groups; an exposed group consisted of 40 workers occupationally-exposed to BPA and a control group of 45 workers from outpatient clinic in Kasr Al Aini hospital. The exposed group was subdivided into 2 subgroups according to insulin resistance index: 1) Bisphenol A exposed subgroup with insulin resistance index < 4 (n=31), 2) Bisphenol A exposed subgroup with insulin resistance index ≥ 4 (n=9). The whole studied population was subjected to a detailed questionnaire including personal and medical history. General and systemic examinations were performed in addition to measuring both height and weight to all subjects to calculate BMI. All participants were subjected to laboratory investigations in the form of serum insulin level, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2 hours post prandial blood sugar level (2hPPBS). Urine level of BPA was estimated as a biomarker for BPA exposure. Statistical analysis was done using (SPSS) Statistical Package for Special Sciences version 16. Results: This study showed an elevation in urinary BPA level among workers as well as an increased insulin level, fasting blood sugar and post prandial blood sugar levels. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance was higher among the exposed group with positive correlation with the urinary BPA level. Conclusion: occupational exposure to BPA increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.