Ring Shaped Cataract and Urinary Metabolites Among 2,4,6-trinitrotoulene Exposed Population of Pakistan

Abstract Background: Safety protocols are usually neglected among most of the TNT exposed population, therefore, rendering the community prone to various occupational hazards. The current study highlights ring shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT among TNT exposed population (n=26) against a control group (n=20).Methods: An observational case-control study was carried out in two groups: 300 subjects exposed to TNT in Dir and Bajour Agency, Pakistan and a control group from the base hospital. We determined the presence of ring shaped cataract and urine metabolites of TNT using slit lamp biomicroscope and gas chromatography mass spectrometric analysis respectively.Results: Results substantiate a high level of urine metabolites for exposed subjects compared to the control group (p<0.001). Age had no significant effect on (p>0.05) on presence of ring shaped cataract and the level of urinary metabolites of TNT, while duration of exposure showed significant effect (p<0.001). Females showed high incidence of ring shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT than men ( p<0.001). The mean age of the exposed subjects was 51±14.38 (Mean+SD) years. The mean year of exposure was 49±5 (Mean+SD) years,Conclusion: This study showed TNT as a risk factor for the presence of ring-shaped cataract among TNT exposed group in Pakistan. It is important to screen exposed community for the presence of ring-shaped cataract, and pre-clinical identification of TNT adducts to prevent systemic complications.