Studies on some biochemical parameters in human manganese exposure.

Biochemical studies were carried out in 35 male workers exposed to low concentrations of manganese in a ferromanganese alloy plant and in 24 workers not occupationally exposed (control group). Adenosine deaminase, total and HDL cholesterol in plasma, inorganic phosphate, calcium and urea in plasma and urine and 17-ketosteroids in urine, as well as urinary manganese were determined in order to assess their validity as early diagnostic measures in Mn intoxication. Significant increases in plasma inorganic phosphates, HDL cholesterol, urinary calcium, plasma and urinary manganese were found in the exposed while the other parameters remained unchanged.