Review article
NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) AS A RESULT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Rajka Turk
orcid.org/0000-0002-5876-8923
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Centar za kontrolu otrovanja, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jelena Macan
orcid.org/0000-0001-6269-5475
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Centar za kontrolu otrovanja, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Recent epidemiological studies indicate that occupational exposure to organic solvents may be an independent risk factor for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly if occupational exposure limits are exceeded. Clinical assessment of hepatotoxicity of industrial solvents must take into account synergism with metabolic risk factors, but also other factors like medications, alcohol, viruses, age and nutrition. If occupational exposure to solvents remains within the permissible limits NAFLD may still develop as a work-related disease. It is essential that liver function testing is included in the periodic medical assessment of solvent-exposed workers, and that high risk individuals are identified and excluded from further exposure in order to prevent the development of irreversible liver damage.
Keywords
organic solvents; occupational exposure; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; work-related disease
Hrčak ID:
59719
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2010.
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