Oxidative stress, antioxidant status and lung function test among iron welders in Sokoto, Nigeria

Welding poses potential and chemical hazards because its fumes consist of a wide range of complex metal oxide particles which can be deposited in all regions of the respiratory tract. We aimed in the present study to determine lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status of Iron welders in Sokoto. The study involves 54 active welders and 20 age matched control males. Their lung function test (LFT) was carried out using spirometry and their blood was collected by venipuncture and analyzed for oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, vitamins and minerals via spectrophotometric methods. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-ZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were significantly higher in welders (p < 0.05) when compared to non-welders. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is significantly higher in welders (P < 0.05) than in non-welders. Across duration of occupational age exposure, levels of MDA,Vitamin A and GPx were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to other parameters. Pearson correlation indicated strong negative correlation between markers of oxidative stress and lung function test. The important findings among the sample of welders in comparison to controls are higher lung function test, antioxidant enzymes and vitamins.