Published
2026-10-25
Section
English
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Umbreen Javed Khan , Dr. Muhammad Nasim Durrani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Effects of Chromium Exposure on Liver and Kidney Functions in Tannery Workers: A Comparative Study
Dr. Umbreen Javed Khan
Professor, Government Graduate College for Women Township, Lahore
Dr. Muhammad Nasim Durrani
Chief Governance and Quality Assurance Buch International Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Keywords: Chromium, Tannery Workers, Liver Function Tests, Renal Function Tests, Occupational Exposure, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity
Abstract
Background: Leather tanning industry is the largest consumer of chromium compounds and workers exposed in tanning industries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chromium exposure on liver and renal function parameters in the tannery workers of two industrial area of Pakistan.
Methods: 172 individuals were divided into three groups: tannery workers in District Kasur (n=56), District Sheikhupura (n=56), and a control group (n=60) that had no occupational exposure to chromium. Participants were further stratified into four age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years). Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/GOT), Uric Acid, Blood Urea, Bilirubin and Creatinine were estimated by standard colourimetric and kinetic method from the various serum parameters.
Conclusions: There were significant increases (p<0.05) in ALP, ALT, AST, blood urea, bilirubin and creatinine levels among tannery workers as compared to controls. No significant changes were observed in serum uric acid levels. These parameters were more strongly elevated in the exposed workers especially in the age groups 40-59. The deviation was higher among workers of Kasur than that of Sheikhupara in most of the parameters.
Conclusion: Hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects have been found in the liver and kidney function markers of tannery workers with chronic occupational exposure to chromium compounds. These results highlight the importance of better protection for the work environment and periodic health assessments of the exposed, workers.
