Lipid peroxidation in workers exposed to manganese

Abstract

Objectives. The following hypothesis was tested: plasma manganese concentration is associated positively with the product of lipid peroxidation, and lipid peroxidation is associated negatively with the activities of antioxidants in workers exposed to manganese. Methods. The plasma manganese concentration of 22 manganese-exposed workers and 45 referents was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Malondialdehyde, the product of lipid peroxidation, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the activities of protective enzymes were measured by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. Results. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase spread widely among the referents. The activity of superoxide dismutase and the concentrations of malondialdehyde and manganese were significantly higher in the manganese workers than in the referents. The concentration of malondialdehyde in the exposed workers was correlated strongly with the manganese level of plasma. Conclusions. Malondialdehyde can be used as an index of lipid peroxidation induced by manganese exposure.