Neopterin: A candidate biomarker for the early assessment of toxicity of aluminum among bauxite dust exposed mine workers.
BACKGROUND
Bauxite ore is a major source of aluminum (Al) which contains approximately 35-60% Al by weight. Occupational and environmental bauxite dust exposure may cause toxicity by interaction with human biological systems resulting in oxidative stress (OS) and cell death. A neopterin derivative as an antioxidant is able to modulate cytotoxicity by the induction of OS.


METHODS
A total of 273 subjects were selected for blood collection from three different major Al producing bauxite mines and were categorized into three groups as experimental (Exp) (n = 150), experimental controls (ExC) (n = 73) and control (Con) (n = 50). Whole blood and serum samples were used for measurement of Al, neopterin, urea and creatinine values. Statistical analysis was performed using R-2.15.1 programming language.


CONCLUSIONS
The result showed that age, body mass index and the behavioral habits, that is, smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption have possible effects on neopterin level. Serum neopterin levels were found to be significantly higher (P <0.0001) in the experimental group as compared to other groups. Significantly positive correlation (P < 0.0001) was observed between neopterin and creatinine. It was also observed that neopterin level increases as the duration of exposure increases.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of findings it was concluded that exposure to bauxite dust (even at low levels of Al) changes biochemical profile leading to high levels of serum neopterin. Levels of serum neopterin in workers exposed to bauxite dust were probably examined for the 1(st) time in India. The outcome of this study suggested that serum neopterin may be used as potential biomarker for early detection of health risks associated with bauxite dust exposed population.
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Shubhangi K
SK
Pingle
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Lucky R
LR
Thakkar
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Aruna A
AA
Jawade
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Rajani G
RG
Tumane
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Ruchika K
RK
Jain
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Miners' Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Pravin N
PN
Soni
Aluminum; bauxite; biomarkers; creatinine; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; neopterin; oxidative stress