Evaluating the Serum Zinc and Testosterone Levels of Carpenters in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Obianyido Hector Okechukwu
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus Enugu, Nigeria.
Obianyido Ozioma Ebere *
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
Mbalu Confidence Mmesomachi
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus Enugu, Nigeria.
Ezekafor Ikenna Chukwunonso
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
Okwuosa Chukwugozie Nwachukwu
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Exposure to wood dust remains a pervasive occupational hazard with significant health implications
Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of occupational exposure to wood dust on the zinc and testosterone levels of carpenters and to explore its potential implications for their fertility.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study employed simple random sampling to recruit forty carpenters and forty administrative staff after obtaining informed consent. The ethics committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital approved of the study. Serum zinc was analyzed with atomic absorption spectroscopy while testosterone was analyzed with the Fluorescence Immunchromatogarphy. Graph pad prism version 7 was used to analyze the data obtained from the study and a p value of 0.05 was used to ascertain statistical significance.
Results: The mean zinc level of the test group (48.80 ± 0.83) µg/dl is statistically significantly lower than the reference group (52.40 ± 0.79) µg/dl, (p=0.003). The mean serum testosterone level of the test group (4.11± 0.10) ng/ml is statistically significantly lower than the reference group (4.51 ± 0.11) ng/ml, (p=0.010).
Conclusion: These findings may suggest that occupational exposure to wood dust could potentially influence the serum levels of Zinc and testosterone levels.
Keywords: Occupational exposure, carpenters, zinc, testosterone, fertility