European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECT OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL FROM SAW DUST ON CHOLESTEROL AND SOME REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS

Ihim Augustine Chinedu, Ogbodo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka*, Obi Patrick Chinedu, Nosakhare Osakue, Ozuruoke Donatus Francis Ndumnworo, Oguaka Victor Nwabunwanne

ABSTRACT

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an industrial wood preservative. It can be absorbed through the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract, the skin being the most significant route. This study determined the serum testosterone, estradiol and cholesterol levels of sawmill workers exposed to PCP and sawdust. A total of 50 male subjects exposed to sawdust and PCP (test group) and 50 apparently healthy non-Sawmill workers and who do not have any contact with PCP were recruited as control. Testosterone and estradiol were assayed using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Total Cholesterol level was determined using cholesterol enzymatic end-point method while Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was determined using clearance method. Data obtained were analyzed using student t- test. The results showed that the mean values of serum testosterone levels of subjects exposed to sawdust and PCP was significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared with the control. The mean serum estradiol level of subjects exposed to sawdust and PCP was significantly higher (P<0.05) when compared with the control, while the mean values of cholesterol and LDL-C, respectively were significantly higher (P<0.05) in test group when compared with the control. This study showed significantly increased levels of estradiol, total cholesterol, LDL-C and reduced level of testosterone on subjects exposed to sawdust and PCP. This suggests a predisposition to reproductive hormone imbalance and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Pentachlorophenol, Saw dust, Testosterone, Estradiol, Total Cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Sawmill workers, Nnewi.