[Abnormal liver function associated with occupational exposure to N, N-dimethylformamide in synthetic leathers works].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the hepatotoxic effects of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the workers of a synthetic leathers factory, and the effects on liver function of covariates such as alcohol consumption and other factors.


METHODS
The workers were classified into three groups (low, high and the control) by the concentration of DMF in workplace which was determined in the past two years. A questionnaire was drawn up for relevant demographic characteristics and other factors influencing liver function. The bloods were collected for laboratory test which included parameters especially relevant to the liver (ALT AST and gamma GT).


RESULTS
Low and high-exposure groups were significantly associated with elevated ALT and gamma GT, and high-exposure group was significantly associated with elevated Liver index. Modeling by stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that high concentration of DMF and BMI were associated with and elevated ALT, gamma GT and Liver index, besides DMF and BMI, the elevation of ALT was also associated with high TRIG. AST was only associated with alcohol consumption. The AST/ALT ration < 1 was present in 86.7% of the exposure workers of liver function abnormal.


CONCLUSIONS
DMF can cause liver function alternations even if air concentration of DMF was below PC-TWA. Besides the levels of DMF exposure, obesity (BMI) and alcohol consumption are covariates alternating liver function. Liver index can be a parameter for assessment liver function, and the AST/ALT ration < 1 may serve as markers of risk in health screening programs.
Qian
Ya-ling
YL
Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310013, China.
Xu
Cheng-min
CM
Zhu
Li-jin
LJ
Xian
Ju-xiang
JX
Chai
Jian-rong
JR
Ruan
Zheng
Z
Zhang
Xing
X
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D004126:Dimethylformamide / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure
D004126:Dimethylformamide; D000410:Alanine Transaminase