Studying the effect of antioxidants on cytogenetic manifestations of solvent exposure in the paint industry

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant role in reversing cytogenetic changes caused by solvent exposure in paint industry. Subjects and Methods: A prospective controlled clinical trial was performed on 39 workers exposed to solvents and 39 workers not exposed to solvents by supplying a mixture of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E and selenium) and the after effects of such regimen were analyzed. Environmental monitoring was carried out for air concentrations of different solvents at workplace. Exposed group was cytogenetically tested before and after giving the mixture of antioxidant vitamins for 1 month duration. Results: Frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and the mean of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were statistically significantly higher among exposed workers than among controls. After the supplementation of antioxidants, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of CAs, and 88% abnormal levels of SCEs were back to normal levels. Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation decreases the frequency of CAs and SCEs among exposed workers.