LEVELS OF SERUM IRON, FERRITIN AND TRANSFERIN IN BENIN BRONZE CASTERS

ABSTRACT

Metals cannot be broken down and are non-biodegradable. Organisms may detoxify metal ions by hiding the active element within a protein or depositing them in intracellular granules in an insoluble form to be excreted in the organism's faeces or for long-term storage. When the heavy metals are swallowed or inhaled into our bodies, they bio-accumulate in our system. Thus they are classified as dangerous. This bioaccumulation causes biological and physiological complications. These metals are found in materials used by bronze casters in Bronze casting industries. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Serum Iron, Ferritin and Transferrin of bronze casters in Benin City as indicators of a positive impact of bronze casting on Iron homeostasis. The study used a cross-sectional study with purposive approach in the recruitment of participants into the study groups. The groups comprised of bronze casters occupationally exposed, and non-occupationally and minimally environmentally exposed; apparently healthy participants. The study covers Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria and was carried out in Igun Street, St. Saviour and Oguola. A total of one hundred and sixty (160) participants were used for this study, viz: one hundred (100) bronze casters and sixty (60) agematched unexposed individuals, serving as controls. Laboratory data was analyzed using statistical package version. Results shows that the Transferrin level in Bronze Casters (5.07±0.68) was significantly lower when compared with the control group (8.65±1.21) P<0.05. Levels of Ferritin in Bronze Casters (701.96±171.32) was significantly higher when compared with the control group(P-value). The levels of Iron concentration (37.27±1.17) in Bronze Casters was significantly higher when compare with the control group (30.85±0.73) with p<0.05. The result shows that the correlation between Transferrin, Ferritin and Iron levels in Bronze casters and also in the control participants was not significant. In conclusion, this means Serum Iron and Ferritin concentration were significantly higher among bronze casters than control subject. Also Transferrin concentration was significantly lower among the bronze casters. This significant difference might be as a result of exposure to some of the heavy metals found in bronze casting that can disrupt the physiological homeostasis.