The Effect of Occupational Lead Exposure on Liver Enzymes Activities among Factory Workers

Abstract

Lead toxicity has been recognized as a major public health risk. It has harmful effect on human body tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of occupational lead exposure on liver enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) among factory workers. Eighty one subjects were included in this study, classified as 41 occupational Lead exposures as (case group), age range from 19 to 60 years old and 40 health apparently as (control match group). Blood samples were collected from each participant under aseptic condition. Serum ALT, AST and GGT activities were measured by using full automatic analyzer Mindery BS series. The results showed insignificant differences in liver enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) activity of Lead exposed subject when compared with unexposed with p-value (0.854, 0.188 and 0.437) respectively. Also the results showed insignificant differences in mean (ALT, AST and GGT) activity of highly exposed versus low exposed subjects with p-value of (0.566, 0.575 and 0.070) respectively. Also our results showed no correlation between liver enzymes and lead concentration. GGT enzyme activity showed positive correlation with age and duration of work.

This study concludes that the occupational lead exposure has no effect on liver enzymes activity (ALT, AST and GGT). The elderly exposed subjects are more susceptible to hepatobiliary disease than younger subjects. GGT could be useful as early predictor marker for liver damage.