Occupational Exposure to Calcium Sulfate impacted negatively on Liver Function, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers And Reproductive Parameters among Male Artisans in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Occupational exposure to calcium sulfate, commonly known as gypsum, is prevalent among artisans in the construction and manufacturing industries. This study evaluated the liver function, reproductive parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers among artisans exposed to calcium sulfate in Rivers State, Nigeria, by comparing them with a non-exposed control group.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted involving 60 male artisans exposed to calcium sulfate and 60 non-exposed males. Liver function parameters, including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Albumin, and Total Protein, were measured. Reproductive parameters like sperm count, motility, and morphology were also assessed, along with oxidative stress markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The exposed group exhibited significantly higher levels of ALT (50.7 ± 4.5 U/L) compared to the non-exposed group (44.0 ± 2.3 U/L, p<0.001). ALP levels were also elevated in the exposed group (85.1 ± 13.3 U/L) versus the non-exposed group (72.8 ± 7.2 U/L, p<0.001). Reproductive parameters, such as sperm count and motility, were significantly lower in the exposed group (50.3 ± 7.3 million/mL vs. 61.2 ± 3.3 million/mL, p<0.001). Oxidative stress markers were elevated, with MDA being higher in the exposed group (3.5 ± 0.8 nmol/mL) compared to the control (2.3 ± 0.2 nmol/mL, p<0.001).
Conclusions: The study identified significant alterations in liver function, reproductive function and oxidative stress among artisans exposed to calcium sulfate, indicating potential hepatic stress and reproductive impairment. Elevated ALT, ALP, and oxidative stress markers suggest the need for regular health monitoring and protective measures to mitigate health risks.
Keywords: Calcium sulfate exposure, Gypsum, Liver function, oxidative stress biomarkers, Reproductive parameters Occupational health, Artisans
