Effect of Exposure to Soot on Activities of Alanine Transaminase, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Lipase among Cooks in Nnewi

Abstract

Exposure to soot can lead to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. This study determined serum alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triacylglycerol lipase activities of cooks exposed to soot. Thirty (30) participants (cooks) were exposed to soot (test group), and thirty (30) participants not exposed to soot (control group) were recruited. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and informed consent from the participants was obtained. Alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triacylglycerol lipase activities were determined using the spectrophotometric method while the Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight (kg)/height2 (m2). An Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the mean serum activities of alanine transaminase (14.69±1.84), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher compared with the control(12.83±0.94)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (7.81±4.08), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher when compared with the control (3.54±2.00)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of triacylglycerol lipase of cooks exposed to soot were significantly low compared with the control (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the BMI, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure levels respectively in the test group, compared to the control. This study observed higher serum activities of alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and low serum activity of triacylglycerol lipase among cooks exposed to soot, this suggests a predisposition to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction in the cooks
 Keywords: Soot, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lipase enzymes

Evaluation of Interleukin 4, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Activity of Alanine Transaminase Among Cooks in Nnewi

“…This research observed no association between the levels of Interleukin 4, High sensitivity C-reactive protein, and activity of alanine transaminase and the body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure of cooks exposed to soot. This agrees with the work of 34 on the effect of exposure to soot on the activities of liver enzymes, which observed no relationship between the activity of alanine transaminase and the BMI, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. No statistically significant correlation was seen between BMI and interleukin 4 (IL-4) 45 .…”

“…This result differs from the findings of 42 where there was a significantly higher difference in the mean serum activity of ALT in participants exposed to air pollution in areas near oil drilling sites since birth compared with control. In a study to determine the serum activities of liver enzymes in cooks exposed to soot, 34 found the serum activity of alanine transaminase to be significantly higher in the test group compared control. Additionally, 43 in a Taiwanese population study saw an association between long-term exposure to particulate matter and an increase in the activities of liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase.…”

“…The majority of chefs are unaware of how exposure to soot or particulate matter (PM) might negatively impact their health. Unfortunately, most homes and kitchens in Nigeria, particularly in Nnewi, lack chimneys or pipes that discharge kitchen smoke into the atmosphere, which increases the concentration of soot and makes it easier for cooks to inhale 34 .…”