Objective To determine the plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in male workers with manganese (Mn) exposure at workplace and explore the effect of occupational Mn exposure on plasma BDNF levels.
Methods A total of 179 male workers of a manganese smelter in Guangxi were chosen as exposure group, and divided into low (84 workers) and high (95 workers) Mn exposure groups by cumulative exposure index (CEI) of Mn. Another 96 male workers of a sugar refinery in the same district were selected as control group. All participants received questionnaires on general information and determination of plasma BDNF.
Results After adjusted for age and nation, a negative correlation between the plasma BDNF and the Mn exposure were identified (r=-0.200, P<0.05). The plasma BDNF levels of the two exposure groups were statistically lower than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the high Mn exposure group reported a lower level of BDNF than the low Mn exposure group (P<0.05).
Conclusion Occupational Mn exposure may decrease plasma BDNF levels in male Mn smelting workers.
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