Changes in the levels of some enzymes associated with tumours among Nigerian automobile workers

Abstract

Environmental and occupational carcinogens when introduced into human cause abnormal degenerative or proliferative cellular turnover hence remain one of the major causes of cancer especially in developing countries.  Activities of some serum enzymes which had been implicated in metastasis, specifically gamma-glutamyltransaminase, alkaline phosphates, total and postatic acid phosphatase were estimated in 50 automobile workers recruited from some selected workshops in Ibadan metropolis.  25 apparently healthy individuals, majorities of which are civil servants with minimal exposure to hydrochemicals and similar age range were recruited as control.

      Automobile workers had significantly increased serum activities of both total and prostatic acid phosphatase compared with non-automobile workers (P < 0.05).  This difference was more pronounced in spray-painters and welders (P < 0.01), followed by vulcanizer and motor mechanic (P < 0.05).  There were however no significant differences with auto-electrician and panel beaters compared with controls (P > 0.05).  It was also observed that the elevated values of both total and prostatic acid phosphatase in autoworkers are linearly increased with years of exposure but not with age.  No significant difference was observed in the activities of gamma glutany transaminase (GGT) and alkaline phosphates(ALP) of automobile workers compared with control (P > 0.05).

      The within group significant elevated activity of prostatic acid phosphatase activities in welder, vulcanizer and spray painters are most probably due to the hazardous effect of some noxious substances such as hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, toxic metals etc. peculiar to their line of occupation.  This indicate a high risk of prostatic cancer in this group of automobile worker and necessitate a regular routine screening test with more specific biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen (PSA).