Evaluation of Liver Biochemical Parameters in Manganese Miners

Background: Manganese (Mn) related jobs may cause manganism especially in miners. Side effects include neural and pathological disorders. In spite of liver is the main organ that filters Mn (99%) but few studies has performed about Mn toxicity in liver so no specific biochemical indicator is available (Gunnar). In this study, the relation between blood, urine and saliva Mn level and its hepatotoxic effects is evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Blood, urine, saliva of 50 accidently selected miners collected in acid washed tubes for an experience study. Samples were used to evaluation not only biochemical parameters by pars azmoon kits but also Mn concentration by mass spectroscopy.

Results: Manganese concentration in all miners in addition to blood AST, ALT, ALP increased significantly (p<0.001) related to controls. Miners with 10-15 years background had higher blood total, direct & indirect billirubin and ALP levels compared to others. Mn concentration in serum declined but in urine and saliva had no changes by working in mine. AST & ALT increased significantly in miners with 300 µg/L serum Mn concentration. Mn concentration in various samples and serum AST and ALT level were higher in native miners than non-native but in both not related to background.

Conclusion: Significantly higher levels of billirubin, AST and ALT in miners compared to controls revealed Mn hepatotoxic effects in them. Also significant ALP increasing showed cholestasis in miners that supported by AST, ALT level. Significant billirubin, AST, ALT, ALP in miners with 10-15 years background revealed the importance of this period in miners liver check up. Higher Mn levels in different sources of native miners can be due to more environmental contact. Higher AST, ALT and lower ALP level in native miners indicate more hepatastoxic and less cholestasis and therefore arthrosclerosis and parkinson risk in these workers.