ABSTRACT Noise health hazards include hearing affection, ischemic heart disease, hypertension and headache. This study aimed to explore a possible link between heat shock protein 70 level, oxidative status and electrocardiogram changes among workers occupationally exposed to noise. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out on 91 male textile workers. Environmental sound level assessment, electrocardiogram, and measurement of blood pressure were done. Serum levels of heat shock protein 70, total antioxidant concentration, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Forty-three workers showed normal electrocardiogram while 48 workers showed electrocardiogram abnormalities. Serum levels of heat shock protein 70 and total antioxidants were significantly higher, while malondialdehyde level was significantly lower among workers with normal electrocardiogram compared to those who showed abnormalities. Heat shock protein 70 and total antioxidant levels were significantly lower among workers with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg compared to workers with systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and total antioxidants were significantly lower among workers with diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg compared to those with diastolic BP < 90 mmHg. Serum heat shock protein 70 and oxidative markers may serve as biomarkers for early detection of cardiovascular impacts and as markers of environmental stress among noise-exposed workers.
View Full Article
|