Apolipoprotein B-48 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha Levels in Male Welders in Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria

Welding processes produce toxic fumes consisting of gaseous and aerosol by-products which pose a risk to the male cardiovascular system. The rate of cardiovascular death is increasing globally, and there is existing evidence on cardiovascular impairment of welding fume constituents. This study sought to assess the effects of welding fume inhalation on the cardiovascular function of welders in Nnewi. A site-by-site cross-sectional study of 45 welders (aged between 18 and 50 years) who were exposed to welding fumes (Test group) and 45 age-matched non-welders (Control group) was carried out. The ages of the Test and Control subjects, as well as the years of exposure of the Test subjects were obtained via questionnaire. A single non-fasting venous blood (about 5 mls) was collected from the ante-cubital space from the subjects via venipuncture between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Serum was separated following clotting and used for the investigation of the levels of Apolipoprotein B48 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α among welders. Apolipoprotein B48 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α levels were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Significantly elevated (p<0.05) levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (22.43±3.92 pg/mL) was found in welders compared with controls (5.11±0.80 pg/mL). Longer duration of exposure was associated with increased levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α. From this study, the significant increase in TNF-α levels in these welders suggests that welding fume exposure may trigger systemic inflammation and atherogenic response. Welders therefore are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.