[Modifications of hepatic transaminases in workers exposed to low doses of isopropanol].

Isopropanol (IPA) is a volatile solvent that is used in many industrial process. The major symptoms of acute isopropanol toxicity include dizziness, incoordination, headache, hypothermia, eye ataxia, irritation of upper respiratory tract and shortness of breath. Vomiting, hematemesis, diarrhoea and hypotension may occur following accidental ingestion of IPA. No data regarding subchronic or chronic toxicity of IPA were identified. The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and of gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) of the last five years in 40 printer workers after the removal of IPA from the industry. The serum levels of ALT, AST and gamma-GT were higher in the exposed workers than in non exposed. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the removal of IPA from the industry had a positive health effect improving the hepatic function of the workers.