ABSTRACT
Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that shift work can be significantly associated with adverse effects on liver function. However, the association between shift work and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme as a well-known biomarker of liver disease has been undefined. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total number of 6,475 eligible oil refinery workers. According to shift work schedules, the participants divided to the following groups: 12-hr rotating night (n = 2,630) and 12-hr fixed day (n = 3845). The Spearman’s correlation and logistic regression were applied to assess the association between shift work and ALP. Results: We found significantly higher levels of ALP in 12-hr rotating night compared to 12-hr fixed-day shift work groups (196.2 ± 52.1 versus 191.5 ± 53.4). According to quartile (Q) logistic regression adjusted by significant variables between study group (age, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, and total cholesterol), the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of high (Q2–<Q3 versus <Q1) and severe (≥Q3 versus <Q1) levels of ALP in 12-hr rotating night group in comparison to 12-hr fixed-day group were estimated as 1.26 (1.08–1.45) and 1.26 (1.09–1.45), respectively. Conclusions: This study indicated that 12-hr rotating night shift work may be associated with higher levels of ALP. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to appreciate the participants involved in this study.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare that they have no actual or potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Supplementary material
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