Effect of Mercury Exposure on the Non Enzymatic Defense System in Workers

Abstract

The role of free radical generation and lipid peroxidation in most diseases as a scientific explanation for development and destractivc process in biological tissues is confirmed.  In this study, an attempt to shed   li ght  on   the  possible  rel ation  between  some  biochemical parameters as a marker lor antioxidant in sera of (40)workers in  the ticld of mercury was investigated. The workers were divided into two

gt-oups according to the_1>_eri odof occupati.On.

Group A                        Occupation period <I 0

C'TTOllj:) B                                  -            >10

GroupC    Healthy control, non exposed to Hg

Some non- enzymatic anuox1dant were mvest•gated in sera of all subjects included in the study (i.e. vit A, Vit C, and Vit E) using HPLC technique, MDA was determined and used as a biochemical marker of LPO(Lipid Pcroxidiation) .

The results indicate lower levels of all vitamins in sera of workers compared to control group. An elevation of MDA was recorded in all workers compared with healthy contwls. The destructive role of free radicals to human organize was confirmed , also leads to imbalance between antioxidants and LPO due to mercury exposure which positively correlate with duration of industrial occupation.