Effect of Butane Gas on Liver Functions

Abstract

The present study aims to asses liver functions among those who sale butane gas cylinders in small stores in Khartoum state, in period from May to June 2007. A study group of 51 males with age ranging from 22- 79 years were selected randomly for this study. A group of 50 healthy male who were not exposed to butane gas were selected randomly as control subjects. Blood samples were taken from all subjects to determine liver function tests (total protein, albumin, bilirubin, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase) were done in the research laboratory in College of Medical Laboratory Sciences in Sudan University using both spectrophotometer CECIL.CE 1021, and auto analyzer Hitachi 902. Results of the investigations were analyzed statistically using independent t-test and correlation test. The study illustrated that there is a significant difference in the mean value of total protein, albumin and aspartate amino transferase between test and control groups (p< 0.01),while there is no significant difference in the mean of bilirubin, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase (p<0.05) There is no correlation between all estimated liver parameters (total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferases, bilirubin, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and the duration of exposure to butane gas (r=0.00).