Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Biomarkers, and Psychological Parameters in Cement Plant Workers

Abstract

BackgroundThe cement industry is one of the main world industries with exposure to a wide range of hazardous chemical and physical occupational agents that can increase free radicals and cause diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, and biochemical markers and psychological parameters among cement plant workers who were exposed to variety of hazardous occupational agents.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study 40 workers exposed to cement and 40 office employees, were selected as the exposed and control group, respectively. Exposure to cement dust, silica and noise were respectively assessed using the NIOSH 0600, NIOSH 7601 and noise dosimetry methods. Oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and biochemical parameters were measured in the serum of all participants. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed by Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) questioner. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS22 software. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square were used to evaluate the relation between variables. ResultsThe results demonstrated that the level of MDA as a marker of oxidative stress was significantly higher in the exposed group.Antioxidant enzymes including SOD and CAT were significantly higher, and TAC was insignificantly lower in the exposed group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), depression and stress were also significantly higher in the exposure group. It seems like working in cement plants, can have hazardous effects on liver function, enzyme activity and mental health.