Assessment of Hepatorenal Function of Nigerian Solid Waste Scavengers in Osogbo, Nigeria

Introduction: Both hepatic parenchymal and renal cells are rich in enzymes required for the biotransformation of various exogenous substances, a process that sometimes may result in organ damage. Contact with solid waste will undoubtedly result in high degree of exposure to various harmful substances. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of solid waste scavenging on hepato-renal function.

Material and Methods: Twenty-nine solid waste scavengers and 30 subjects who served as control were used for the study. Serum obtained from 5 mL of blood was utilized to assess hepatic (alanine & aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, γ-globulins) and renal (urea, creatinine) functions of each participant. Standard photometric methods were used for all estimations. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results and Discussion: Significant differences were observed for globulins and total proteins in solid waste scavengers compared with control (p<0.05) while other parameters (alanine & aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea) were not significantly different (p>0.05). There was total non-compliance to the use of personal protective equipment. Results of the study revealed that hepatic and renal markers were not significantly different but γ-globulins were significantly higher in solid waste scavengers compared with control group.

Conclusion: Solid waste scavenging in Osogbo is not associated with hepatorenal alteration except that γ-globulin fraction was elevated.