Authors : Yasemin S. Karafakioglu, Yilmaz Dundar, Recep Aslan, A. Fatih Fidan and I. Hakki Cigerci
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of tobacco harvesting on oxidant-antioxidant status, as well as its biochemical and hematological markers evaluation in women workers. Blood Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, Superoxide Dismutase activity (SOD), plasma Zinc (Zn) concentration, ALT and AST enzyme activity and some hematological parameters were evaluated in women workers (n = 20). Two blood samples were taken from each worker, the first of which was taken in the morning before breakfast, at the day before the first harvest in the 1st week of July and the second, just after the 50 days harvesting period procedure at the end of August. The blood MDA levels increased significantly after harvesting. The mean SOD activity following harvesting season was significantly lower. Whereas, blood Zn levels of groups didn’t show any significant change. After harvest season red blood cell, Hb and Htc levels were found to be significantly decreased compared before harvest season. The ALT concentrations were significantly increased after harvesting compared to before harvesting. Although, AST hand concentrations were significantly decreased after harvesting compared to before harvesting. Consequently, tobacco harvesting is a stressful procedure and induced oxidative stress in blood by decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and generation of free radicals in women workers. Moreover, the antioxidant treatments could provide great advantages for workers to avoid from oxidative stress and maintain a healthy life span.
Yasemin S. Karafakioglu, Yilmaz Dundar, Recep Aslan, A. Fatih Fidan and I. Hakki Cigerci, 2009. The Effects of Tobacco Harvesting on Oxidant-Antioxidant Status, Some Biochemical and Hematologic Markers in Women Workers. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 691-696.