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Effects of Petroleum Compounds on Psychological Health and Cognitive Functions

Effects of Petroleum Compounds on Psychological Health, Cognitive Functions, and the Possible Ameliorating Effect of Whey Protein in a Sample of Petrol Station Workers in Assiut Governorate

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06380998
Enrollment
196
Registered
2024-04-24
Start date
2024-10-01
Completion date
2027-10-01
Last updated
2024-04-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Deterioration

Keywords

Petroleum compounds, psychological heath, cognitive funtions

Brief summary

Over the last decade, awareness of the effects of hydrocarbon fuels on neurodegenerative disorders has increased significantly, as they are ubiquitous environmentally toxic chemicals that affect the central nervous system and result in irreversible neuronal damage, as many hydrocarbons can cross the blood-brain barrier through multiple pathways and cause direct toxicity.

Detailed description

Petrol stations are establishments that retail liquid fuels derived from petroleum, alcohol, and other automotive fuels, with equipment available for their measurement and storage. This process, linked to gasoline distribution, can be a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX), the primary volatile hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Headache, fatigue, dizziness, respiratory tract infections, skin allergies, eye infections, and impairment of memory have been experienced by a few people immediately following exposure to some solvents. CNS depression is a common physiological outcome caused by high exposure to some VOCs. General anaesthetic effects, and as a most severe outcome, unconsciousness and, in some cases, death, may occur at the end. Long-term exposure to organic solvents may cause permanent central nervous system disturbances, a condition called chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE). Cognitive symptoms and neuropsychological signs, or issues with memory, focus, and learning, are the hallmarks of CSE, which is underdiagnosed and characterized by these symptoms as well as possible side effects like headaches, fatigue, balance issues, and mild depression. If exposure stops, though, the illness will not worsen. We are discovering more about the importance of nutrition and its impact on an individual's susceptibility to illness progression. Diet has been suggested to have an important role in cognitive health and the development of dementia. However, most of the intervention studies conducted to date have mainly assessed the effect of dietary supplements on cognitive function. The toxicity of inhaled vapours is due to their biotransformation into reactive oxygen species, and several studies have highlighted the capacity of whey protein to increase glutathione (GSH), suggesting that this complex mixture is capable of boosting GSH synthesis, thus reducing oxidative stress.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTwhey protien

Whey, the supernatant of yogurt and a byproduct of cheese, is rich in protein and consists of β-lactalbumin, α-lactoglobulin, immunogloblin, bovine serum albumin, and other minor proteins. Whey protein is a globally consumed food material and is well known for its health benefits

Sponsors

Assiut University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Workers in direct contact with petroleum compounds in petroleum stations. * Working for at least 8 continuous hours daily for at least 2 years before enrollment in the study. * Participants have willingness to participate and have no history for substance abuse

Exclusion criteria

* Working for less than 2 years with interrupted exposure. * The exposure of workers to petroleum compounds is indirect. * History of psychological and neurodegenerative diseases before starting this job. * Patients with medical conditions like renal or cardiovascular diseases. * Individuals with known allergies or contraindications to study supplements.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Effects of petroleum compounds on psychological health and cognitive functions of petrol station workers in Assiut1 yearfor psychological assessment through symptom check list 90 (revised) and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (30 points: 25-30: normal; 21-24: mild cognitive impairment; 10-20: moderate; and 0-9: severe) and Wecksler memory scale (higher score indicates better performance, while lower score indicates memory impairment)
To explore the relation between the level of petroleum hydrocarbon metabolites and the severity of psychological heath and cognitive functions disturbance of petrol station workers1 yearurinary metabolites for BTEX through GS-MS
To explore the role of supplements with whey protein in ameliorating these effects1 year20 g of whey protein 3 times per week for 8 weeks will be given to workers with cognitive difficulties

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
To assess the relationship between the psychological effects, cognitive functions, and nutritional status of petroleum station workers1 yearrelationship between nutritional status, psychological symptoms, and cognitive difficulties through statistics

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

Primary ContactGehad H Eisa, Assi. lectur
gehadhussien552@gmail.com+201018602754
Backup ContactDoaa Almaz, lectur
Doaa.almaz3784@gmail.com+201010790895

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026