The study aimed to explore the effects of exposure to pesticides on the reproductive health and liver function of females participating in agricultural work. Blood samples were obtained from the thirty-five females (out of one hundred females of reproductive age) who were willing to donate blood. Fifty females matched for age and socio economic status were recruited as a control group to compare levels of hormones (estradiol, progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone), liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results showed that 53% of the females examined in this village were illiterate. Agricultural work represented 42% of the occupations encountered by females in the study. Females who helped in farming operations showed a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome such as abortions and stillbirths compared to those who did not share in agricultural work. There was a significant elevation in estradiol and progesterone levels among female agricultural workers and controls. There was also elevation in serum liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in agricultural workers compared to the controls. However, there was a significant decrease in FSH level in females sharing in agricultural activities compared to the controls. It could be concluded that participation of females in agricultural activities with potential exposure to pesticides endangers their reproductive health and liver functions. Rural areas in Egypt require more attention to increase the percentage of literacy among females and raise their health awareness.
Objectives
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a frequent and irreversible industrial-health problem, the early diagnosis of which can prevent hearing deterioration, especially of speech frequencies. This study aimed to assess hearing impairment in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Audiometric notches and IL-1β gene polymorphisms were evaluated.
Methods
The study included 98 workers employed in a textile factory. Pure-tone audiometric testing was conducted for all workers, using a manual pure-tone diagnostic audiometer, and the noise level was measured at four different work sites in a spinning section. IL-1β gene polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP methods.
Results
Workers were exposed to a mean noise level of 105.5 dB. As many as 27.6% of them complained of tinnitus and the majority suffered from some degree of hearing loss in either ear, but none of them exceeded 60 dB. Audiometric notches were detected in either one or both ears. Only 28.6% of workers showed the absence of notches. The TT genotype of IL-1β polymorphisms was dominant in 49% of the workers, whereas TC was predominant in 39.8% and CC in 11.2%. The CC genotype was associated with smoking (54.5%) and audiometric notches (100%). The IL-1β genotype distribution showed no significant difference with or without tinnitus.
Conclusion
This study showed an association between the CC genotype and smoking as well as audiometric notches in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Workers showing audiometric notches should be followed up regularly. Further studies are required to confirm the interrelationship amongst tinnitus, audiometric notches, and IL-1β genotypes.
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