Lung Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and lung function impairment leading to cardio-pulmonary disorders has been associated with chronic exposure to chemical toxicants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in automobile workshop. The cardiovascular risk factors, indices of lung function and PAH exposure in relation to duration of years at occupation were assessed in automobile workers. This comparative cross-sectional study enrolled one hundred men comprising 50 automobile workers and 50 non-automobile workers (controls). The peak expiratory flow rate was estimated using the peak flow meter, PAH metabolite (urine 1-hydroxy pyrene (1-HOP) by high-performance liquid chromatography, lipid profile indices (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) by colorimetry, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by Friedewal’s formular. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as a ratio of TG to HDL-C. The Anthropometric indices and blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)) were obtained. Data analysis was done using t-test and correlation at P<0.05. Automobile workers had lower PEFR, HDL-C, and higher SBP, AIP and LDL-C compared to non-automobile workers (P<0.001). PEFR correlated negatively with 1-HOP (r=-0.322, P=0.022) while AIP correlated negatively with HDL (r=-0.307, P=0.030) and positively with TG (r=0.774, P=0.000), TC (r=0.726, P=0.000), LDL (r=0.777, P=0.000) and VLDL (r=0.793, P=0.000) respectively only in automobile workers. Atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by elevated LDL, AIP, and lower HDL and PEFR observed in automobile workers may suggest an increased risk for cardio-pulmonary dysfunctions.