Biochemical monitoring of exposure to benzene among smoker and non–smoker petrol pump workers

Manjusha Hivre; Shrirang Holkar; Deepali Vaishnav

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2017

Biochemical monitoring of exposure to benzene among smoker and non–smoker petrol pump workers

Manjusha Hivre, Shrirang Holkar, Deepali Vaishnav

Abstract :

Background: Benzene contributes for much of the occupational exposure to toxic chemicals which is a major public health concern worldwide. Activation of benzene and its reactive metabolites leads to continuous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damages DNA, RNA, and proteins by chemical reactions and consumption of antioxidants in the body. The toxicity of xenobiotics is usually determined biochemically by the monitoring of some plasma enzymes and lipids. Aim: To estimate the extent of oxidative stress by measuring the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in blood, assess the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in smoker and non–smoker petrol pump workers.Material and Method: 100 workers at Petrol pump stations (50 smokers and 50 non–smokers) and 50 service workers not exposed to Benzene were selected for study. Study consisted of quessionaire, and blood investigations for MDA, SOD and liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP. Statistical analysis done by student t test and ANOVA. Result: MDA, SOD and all liver enzyme levels of exposed group were found to be significantly high as compared to non–exposed group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a strong relationship between exposure to petrol fumes and increase in oxidative stress and liver toxicity.