Ring-shaped cataract and urinary metabolites among 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene exposed population of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Safety protocols are usually neglected among most of the trinitrotoluene (TNT)-exposed population, therefore, rendering the community prone to various occupational hazards. The current study highlights ring-shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT among TNT-exposed population (n = 26) against a control group (n = 20).

Method: An observational case-control study was carried out in two groups: subjects exposed to TNT in Dir and Bajour Agency, Pakistan, and a control group from the base hospital. We determined the presence of ring-shaped cataract and urine metabolites of TNT using slit-lamp biomicroscope and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis, respectively.

Results: Results substantiate a high level of urine metabolites for exposed subjects compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Age had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the presence of ring-shaped cataract and the level of urinary metabolites of TNT, while duration of exposure showed significant effect (p < 0.001). Females showed high incidence of ring-shaped cataract and urinary metabolites of TNT than men ( p < 0.001). The mean age of the exposed subjects was 51 ± 14.38 (Mean ± SD) years. The mean year of exposure was 49 ± 5 (Mean ± SD) years.

Conclusion: This study showed TNT as a risk factor for the presence of ring-shaped cataract among TNT-exposed group in Pakistan. It is important to screen exposed community for the presence of ring-shaped cataract, and pre-clinical identification of TNT adducts to prevent systemic complications.

Keywords: Ring-shaped cataract; TNT exposure; Urinary metabolites of TNT and 4-ADNT.