Assessment of hepatic functions, hematopoietic cytokines and haematological parameters in people occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons

Humans are occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons through inhalation and ingestion. To access the effect of exposure to volatile hydrocarbons, hematopoietic cytokines, haematological parameters and hepatic functions were assayed for in 100 subjects. Male participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, interleukin-3, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV) and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in mean cell hemoglobin (MCH). Female participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in interleukin-3, ALT, AST, ALP, MCHC, MCV and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in MCH, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to their controls. Exposure to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons raised the absolute red blood cell indices and liver enzymes and could stimulate combined increase in the release of erythropoietin and interleukin-3 leading to ineffective hematopoiesis.