Effect of chronic exposure to sulphur dioxide vapour and sulphur related compuounds on serum levels of insulin, glucose, C-peptide and zinc Tahia H. Saleem, Howaida A. Nafady, Hosnee A. Hassan, Mahmoud R. Abed El-Fadeel.

Abstract EN

Background: Sulphur dioxide is emitted from the superphosphate factory in Mankabad, Assuit Province, Egypt with the possibility of environmental pollution.

Methods: 28 male workers exposed to sulphur dioxide were included in the study.

Their ages ranged between 26 and 55 years.

The control were 14 healthy males, aged (27 to 50 years).

Serum was used for estimation of fasting blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, Zinc levels and alkaline phosphatase.

Results: workers of the exposed group had fasting blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase levels that were higher than control.

Conclusion: Exposed group has hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinaemia, although their insulin levels and C-peptide are within the international range.

Key words: Sulphur dioxide, insulin, glucose, C-peptide and zinc level.