Comparative Study of Changes in Inflammatory Markers on Hours of Exposure to Cement Dust
Jonathan Nyebuchi *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Arit Okechukwu Nwogu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Mieiwari Ibufubara Jumbo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Collins Ohwonigho Adjekuko
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaeus
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: There has been a growing concern about the health of people exposed to cement dust.
Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of cement dust on inflammatory markers on cement loaders with different duration of hourly exposure.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria with 100 male cement workers grouped into 3 groups based on the hourly duration of cement dust exposure. Group 1 (27 subjects) was exposed to 1-5 daily hours; Group 2 (62 subjects), was exposed to 6-10 daily hours, and Group C (11 subjects), was exposed to more than 10 daily hours. The ELISA analysis of C-Reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β, and IL-10 was performed. The data generated were analyzed for mean and standard deviation by ANOVA.
Results: The CRP levels were 5.42 ± 4.72; 6.71 ± 4.96 and 9.04 ± 8.83 in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The p-value was 0.1771 implying no significant difference. The IL-10 levels were 15.72 ± 12.58; 12.23 ± 10.12 and 11.83 ± 8.88 in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The p-value was 0.3421 implying no significant difference. The IL-1β levels were 3.81 ± 1.02; 3.63 ± 1.36 and 3.91 ± 1.21 in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The p-value was 0.7031 implying no significant difference.
Conclusion: The study has shown that hourly changes in exposure to cement dust don’t have an impact on the studied inflammatory markers among cement workers in Port Harcourt.
Keywords: C-reactive protein, interleukin 10, interleukin 1β, inflammation, cement dust