Effect of Aluminum on Bone Mineralisation and Parathormone Level in Aluminum-exposed Egyptian Workers
Safia B. Ahmed and Khadiga S. Ibrahim
Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
Corresponding author: Khadiga Salah Ibrahim
Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine
National Research Center
Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
Fax number: Fax: 00202-3370931
E-mail: khadigasalah@yahoo.com
CEJOEM 2004, Vol.10. No.2.: 139–148
Key words:
Aluminum workers, bone mineralisation, parathormone
Abstract:
This study was performed in an attempt to investigate the possible changes in bone mineralisation and parathormone (PTH) level in a group of
workers occupationally exposed to aluminum (Al). It included 53 subjects working in an Al plant in Helwan, (Egypt) and 41 employees
occupationally not exposed to Al as a control group. The exposed workers had significantly higher Al concentration in plasma and urine than the
controls. In the exposed group, the mean levels of serum creatinine and calcium were significantly higher, while those of serum phosphorus and
plasma PTH were significantly lower, and the positive correlation between Al concentration in the plasma and urine was significant. The biological
Al exposure indices correlated positively with the serum calcium and negatively with the plasma PTH levels. In the Al exposed workers, the
prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was high. It is suggested that the Al-exposure exerts adverse effect on human bone mineralisation and
PTH level.
Received: 3 November 2003
Accepted: 16 February 2004
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