EFFECTS OF Camellia sinensis AND VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON SOME ELEMENTS AND OTHER BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF AUTOMOBILE WORKERS IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

SOURCE:

Faculty: Medicine
Department: Chemical Pathology

CONTRIBUTORS:

OBI-EZEANI, C. N.
DIOKA, C. E.
MELUDU, S.C.

ABSTRACT:

Lead and cadmium bioaccumulation have been shown to be associated with alterations in biochemical indices and adverse health consequences. The possible protective potentials of dietary supplements against the toxic effects of these metals are less well documented. This study examined the effects of Camellia sinensis (green tea (GT)) and Vitamin C (VC) supplementation on some elements and biochemical profile of male automobile workers (AMW) in Enugu, Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) assess the levels of some elements, sex hormones, oxidative stress markers and lipid profile of AMW in Enugu, Nigeria, (ii) assess the relationships between the elements and biochemical parameters, and (iii) determine the effect of supplementation with GT and VC on blood levels of the elements and other biochemical parameters of AMW.The study was a cross sectional and interventional study comprising 124 participants; 62 AMW and 62 occupationally unexposed control aged 18 to 55 years. The 62 AMW were further assigned into two groups of 31 participants each receiving 150ml GT and 500mg VC tablets respectively for two months. Eight milliliters of blood was collected from the participants at baseline, and at one and two months following supplementation. Pb, Cd, Se and Zn were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Testosterone (TT), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analyzed by ELISA method, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed spectrophotometrically whereas total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDLC) and triglyceride (TG) were analyzed enzymatically. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.The mean levels of Pb, Cd, MDA, FSH, LH, TC, LDLC, VLDLC and TG were significantly higher, while TT, Se, Zn and TAC levels were significantly lower in the AMW when compared with the control (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in HDLC levels of AMW and control (p=0.263). There were no significant differences in the levels of the measured biochemical indices among the different AMW group (p>0.05). However, Pb, Cd, FSH, MDA, TC, LDLC, VLDLC and TG levels increased, whereas TT, Se, Zn and TAC decreased significantly with increased duration of exposure (p<0.05). Blood Pb and Cd levels were directly associated with MDA, TC, LDL, VLDL and TG (p<0.05), inversely associated with Se, Zn, TAC and TT (p<0.05), with no significant association with HDL (p>0.05). Pb was also directly associated with FSH and LH (p=0.017 and p=0.026 respectively). After supplementing with GT, Pb, Cd, MDA, FSH, LH, TC, LDL, VLDL and TG levels decreased significantly, while Se, Zn, TAC, TT and HDL levels increased significantly compared with their baseline values (p<0.05). After VC supplementation, similar changes were observed, however, Cd, TT, FSH and LH levels did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Elevated blood Pb and Cd levels in AMW may alter the levels of biochemical indices with potential health implications. However, dietary supplements like GT and/or VC could represent potential and promising ameliorating agents in reducing the adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to these toxic metals in AMW.