Implication of aluminum in exerting some health disorders among exposed workers

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate implication of aluminum in exerting male reproductive and thyroid hormonal disorders and lipid profile changes among aluminum workers. Cross-sectional study was carried on 56 male aluminum workers in aluminum welding factory. Aluminum dust level was measured and questionnaire was conducted for all participants. Urinary aluminum level, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, high sensitive c-reactive protein, apolipoproteinE, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone,17-beta-estradiol, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone were measured in both groups. Aluminum dust mean concentration was 1.6 ± 0.3 mg/m in the present study. Urinary aluminum, serum triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitive C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher while total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower among the exposed workers compared to controls. Serum follicle stimulating hormone and free triiodothyronine were significantly higher while free thyroxin was significantly lower in the exposed group compared to controls. No effect of smoking on all measured parameters was reported except for luteinizing hormone. Negative correlation was found between duration of exposure and 17-beta-estradiol. Urinary aluminum level was negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity on one side and positively correlated with malondialdehyde on other side. Induction of oxidative stress and inflammation might be the possible mode of action by which aluminum exert male reproductive hormonal disorders and lipid profile changes. Aluminum may disrupt thyroid hormones. Pro inflammatory effect of aluminum was verified by the inflammatory markers.