title: Effect of Occupational Cadmium Exposure on Parathyroid Gland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cadmium (Cd) is used in many industries. High-level exposure is associated with severe kidney and bone damage.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigates the possible effect of occupational cadmium exposure on parathyroid gland and some minerals in workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Environmental air monitoring of cadmium was done. Serum and urine cadmium levels, kidney function, some minerals, and plasma parathormone were estimated in the studied groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The exposed workers had significantly higher Cd concentration in serum and urine than controls. The mean levels of plasma parathyroid hormone, serum phosphorus and magnesium were significantly lower among the exposed group. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and calcium were significantly higher in the same group when compared to referents. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration in the serum and urine for the exposed group. The biological Cd exposure indices correlated positively with serum calcium and negatively with plasma PTH level. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, bone ache, joint pain and muscle spasm were more prevalent among the exposed workers compared with the controls with odds ratio 4.316, 3.053 and 3.103 respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupational cadmium exposure has an adverse effect on PTH level and serum human minerals.
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Dokki - Giza - Egypt.
authors.forename: Khadiga S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Dokki - Giza - Egypt.
authors.forename: Safia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beshir
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Dokki - Giza - Egypt.
authors.forename: Eman M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Shahy
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Dokki - Giza - Egypt.
authors.forename: Weam
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shaheen
keywords: cadmium; calcium; magnesium; parathyroid hormone; phosphorus; workers