Effects of Job categories on Some Biomarkers of Liver Function in Dye Workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Sub-clinical impairment of liver function has been reported in textile dye workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria. In this study, we 
measured biomarkers of liver function in 68 dyers, 27 dye sellers and 22 handlers of finished products and determined whether 
assignment of job description would differentially affect liver function. The participants were age and sex matched with controls. 
Mean plasma levels of total protein, albumin and ALP were significantly lower (p<0.05) while ALT and AST (p<0.05) were 
significantly higher in the dyers than the control. Similar trend was observed in the levels of albumin, ALP and AST in the 
handlers of the finished product when compared with the control (p<0.05). In all the categories, levels of ALP were significantly 
lower than the control (p<0.05). The levels of total protein and albumin were reduced in the dyers than in the dye sellers (p = 
0.013 and 0.005 respectively). Lower mean plasma levels of albumin was observed in the handlers of the finished product than 
that of the dye sellers (p= 0.005). Mean plasma level of AST was higher in the handlers of the finished product than that of the 
dye sellers p= 0.002. It appears that the dyers were most at risk followed by the handlers of the finished product and the sellers 
of dyes were the least at risk when considering the altered liver function.