Mehwish David
Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
Title: Evaluation of environmental effects of heavy metals on biochemical profile and oxidative stress among children at brick kiln sites
Biography
Biography: Mehwish David
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine the possible effects of brick kiln emissions on the body mass index (BMI), biochemical and stress profile, genotoxicity and hormone levels of children working at brick kiln industries. A survey was conducted, questionnaires were filled out, and demographic data were collected from Punjab, Pakistan. BMI was calculated, and heavy metals analysis, hematological and enzyme analysis, comet assay and hormonal ELISA for cortisol were performed. The results showed decreased BMI, RBC count, hematocrit, MCH and MCHC in the exposed group. Nickel, cadmium, zinc and chromium concentrations in whole blood were significantly higher among industry children. Antioxidant enzymes catalase, sodium dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase levels were decreased, while reactive oxygen species increased in the exposed group. Plasma cortisol level increased, while growth hormone concentrations decreased in the exposed group when compared with controls. In the comet assay, a decrease in percentage DNA in the head and an increase in percentage DNA in the tail were observed in the exposed group. It was concluded that children living at brick kiln sites and exposed to experienced decreased BMI, antioxidant enzymes status, altered hormone levels and cellular DNA damage.