[Serum cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE ) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in copper mine miners potentially expose d to hydrogen sulfide].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of the target enzyme for H2S toxicity--cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of H2S--cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in copper mine miners.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The initial and basic study was conducted respectively in 237 and 88 miners, working in 2 mining shafts: I--no H2S emissions recorded in the last 10 years (study group A) and II--H2S emissions occurred (study group B). A medical examination was performed and 10 ml of blood was collected from miners immediately after exiting the mine.

RESULTS

There were no clinical or biochemical changes typical for H2S toxicity. Sulfhemoglobine was undetectable and there were no changes in the red-ox system. However, in group B, regulatory changes were found; a tendency to higher concentration of CBS and CSE, a higher activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) compared to group A (p<0.05) and a linear relationship between ACE and CSE (r=0.6927; p<0.001). It has been shown that cigarette smoking decreases COX (p<0.05), however, in miners working in shaft II, the decreased level of COX may result also from the presence of H2S in the gaseous emissions.

CONCLUSIONS

COX concentration can be a sensitive indicator of exposure to H2S. The measurements of blood H2S concentrations carried out in workplaces should explain the cause of the changes observed in the COX, CBS and CSE activity.