%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of liver enzyme levels in workers exposed to vinyl chloride vapors in a petrochemical complex: a cross-sectional study
%A Mir Attarchi
%A Omid Aminian
%A Mandana Dolati
%A Maria Mazaheri
%J Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
%D 2007
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1745-6673-2-6
%X In this study, liver enzyme levels of 52 workers were compared to 48 control workers using the T-test. The cases all worked in a PVC production unit in a petrochemical complex and the controls were randomly selected from office personnel of the same complex. A questionnaire was also filled in about information such as age, weight, work history, etc. in both groups.Mean comparisons for ALP and GGT using T-test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. For AST, ALT and bilirubin (total, direct) the mean was higher in the case group but this difference was not statistically significant.This study showed that mild exposure to VCM can cause mild liver cholestasis. So, using cholestasis assessment tests such as ALP and GGT should be considered in periodic assessment of liver function in PVC producing units.PVC application is increasing day by day. It is used in the production of plastic pipes, cable and wire coatings, floorings, photography films and also electronic industry [1-3]. VCM is an essential element in its production. Regarding the increase of PVC usage and production, more workers are exposed to vinyl chloride every day. Presently more than 81,000 workers are exposed to VCM [1].VCM is hepatotoxic and carcinogenic and can cause liver damages such as hepatic fibrosis, hepatic angiosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, portal hypertension, etc.The mechanism of toxicity and carcinogenicity of VCM is hypertrophy and hyperplasia of hepatocytes and sinusuidal cells, sinusuidal dilatation and destruction, hepatocyte destruction, portal tract fibrosis and binding of chloroethylene oxide (VCM metabolite) to DNA and RNA [4-10].An important subject in health preservation of workers exposed to VCM is the early detection of is effects. Unfortunately minor liver damages can not be detected through routine screening tests such as aminotransferase measurement and needs more specific tests such as the measurement of serum bile acid levels, liver and splee
%U http://www.occup-med.com/content/2/1/6