Gender differences in biochemical measurement reflecting the state of free-radical oxidation and antioxidant protection among workers in metallurgical production

Introduction. To date, age and sex differences have been established for many biochemical parameters. Gender differences in indicators for systems such as antioxidant, thiol-disulfide, oxidative stress and inflammation systems are absent or under study.

The aim of the study was to identify gender differences in biochemical parameters reflecting the functioning of antioxidant systems of the body and free radical oxidation in workers of metallurgical production, in contact with harmful production factors.

Materials and methods. The blood of men and women working at the metallurgical enterprise of the Nizhny Novgorod region (n=80) under the influence of a complex of physical and chemical production factors was studied. Total oxidative stress, total antioxidant capacity of serum, glutathione levels were studied by photometric biochemical methods. Levels of C-reactive protein and 8-hydroxy–2-deoxyguanosine were studied by ELISA.

Results. The average amount of peroxides in the serum of women exceeded 1.6 times this figure in men. In the group of men, the content of 8-Ondg was higher by 26% (p=0.012), the level of GS-by 12% (p=0.019), the activity of SOD — by 1.5–2 times (p=0.0001), the level of CRP — by 2 times (p=0.008) compared to similar indicators in women.

Conclusions. Studies of gender differences in workers under the influence of harmful production factors will allow more effective approach to the etiology, treatment and prognosis of production-related diseases. Indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant protection can be indicators of the health of workers under the influence of harmful industrial factors and be important in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

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