Effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on liver function in Basra oil company workers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are considered one of the most widespread categories of environmental pollutants. This study was conducted to discover the effect of PAH from the oil fields pollution in Basra on liver function. The relationship between PAH in air compared to blood serum and its effect on liver function parameters were studied. 120 blood samples were collected from male workers aged between 25-40 years from 3 different regions. Group 1 was from the Rumella field, while group 2 was from the West Qurna field, and group 3 was from an uncontaminated area far from the oil fields in the city center (control). Higher levels of PAH were found in group 1 and group 2 in the blood serum as compared to control in both air and serum. In control, significantly higher levels of PAH were found in air as compared to serum levels. As for PAH levels in the air, a higher level was detected in group 1 compared to group 2, while a lower level was detected in control. As for liver function tests, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin were the higher level in group 1 and 2 compared to control. In contrast, the levels of albumin and total protein were lower in the group 1 and 2 compared to the control. In conclusion, it is suggested that environmental pollutants such as PAH may cause liver diseases by reducing the function of liver in human.