Thyroid functions in paints production workers and the mechanism of oxidative-antioxidants status.

Assessment of occupational exposure to paints production chemicals mainly organic solvents in production of thyroid dysfunction and the mechanism of oxidative-antioxidant imbalance. Triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidants was measured in 36 workers and 40 controls. T(3) and T(4) were elevated in 18.8% and 44.4% of the workers, respectively. T(3), T(4), MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in workers compared to controls. Total antioxidants was significantly lower in workers than in controls. T(3) and T(4) were significantly correlated with duration of exposure, while, total antioxidants was inversely correlated. In workers, T(3) was significantly correlated with MDA and inversely correlated with total antioxidants levels. MDA and NO were significantly higher in workers with abnormal T( 4) than normal workers. Workers exposed to organic solvents proved to be at risk for hyperthyroidism. Oxidative-antioxidant imbalance was found to have a significant role in development of hyperthyroidism with increasing duration of exposure.