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Increased plasma homocysteine levels in shift working bus drivers
P J F Martins1, V D'Almeida, N Vergani
1Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Napoleão de Barros 925, São Paulo, Brazil 42024-002.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|August 26, 2003
Summary
Shift work bus drivers have higher plasma homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study suggests hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to health issues in shift workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Shift work is linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze plasma homocysteine levels in shift-working bus drivers.
- Investigate correlations with sleep parameters and biochemical factors.
Main Methods:
- Collected blood samples from 30 male shift-working bus drivers and 22 matched controls.
- Assessed plasma homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, serum lipids, and MTHFR gene mutations.
- Conducted polysomnographic recordings for sleep parameter analysis.
Main Results:
- Shift workers exhibited significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels (18.57 μM) compared to controls (9.43 μM).
- No significant differences were observed in other biochemical, behavioral, or molecular parameters between groups.
- Sleep parameters were generally within normal ranges for the shift-working drivers.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine in bus drivers was not linked to other measured biochemical or behavioral issues.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia may play a role in the increased cardiovascular disease incidence associated with shift work.