Investigation of the blood biochemical status of gas station workers

The aim of this study was to examine occupation-associated effects on blood cytokine and immunoglobulin g (IgG) levels, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSHPx, and catalase), nitrite and nitrate levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in gas station workers (GSWs). Trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Pb) in serum, and the amount of hemoglobin in erythrocytes were also determined. Forty male GSWs and 30 male controls were included in the study. No significant difference was observed between the hemoglobin levels of GSWs and those in controls. Proinflammatory cytokine levels, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 were significantly increased in GSWs’ sera. Interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 were below the detection limit of the assay in both the groups. Cytokine receptor interleukin 2R concentration and IgG levels were also significantly increased. Approximately, two-fold increase in nitrite and nitrate concentrations was found in GSWs’ sera. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme levels were significantly lower in GSWs’ blood. MDA concentration, a measure of lipid peroxidation, was found to be significantly elevated. Zn levels were significantly decreased, whereas Cu and Pb levels were increased in GSWs’ sera. Smoking was not found to be a major confounder for the association between exposure and blood parameters.