Objective: To investigate the antioxidant role in reversing cytogenetic changes

caused by solvent exposure in paint industry.

Subjects and Methods: A prospective controlled clinical trial was performed on 39

workers exposed to solvents and 39 workers not exposed to solvents by supplying

a mixture of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E and selenium) and the after effects

of such regimen were analyzed. Environmental monitoring was carried out for air

concentrations of different solvents at workplace. Exposed group was

cytogenetically tested before and after giving the mixture of antioxidant

vitamins for 1 month duration.

Results: Frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and the mean of sister

chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were statistically significantly higher among exposed

workers than among controls. After the supplementation of antioxidants, there

was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of CAs, and 88%

abnormal levels of SCEs were back to normal levels.

Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation decreases the frequency of CAs and SCEs

among exposed workers.