Evaluation of Interleukin-4, Micro-Albumin, and Creatinine in Students Exposed to Short-Term Formalin in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Introduction Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is commonly used in various industries, including as a preservative in laboratories. This study evaluated interleukin-4, micro-albumin, and creatinine levels in students exposed to short-term formalin at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi. A total of 47 students were recruited aged 18-30 comprising 47 students who were not exposed to formalin as control, and 47 students who were exposed to formalin as test subjects. Sandwich ELISA determined Interleukin-4; creatinine was determined by the Jaffe Slot Alkaline Picrate method; micro-albumin by immuno-turbidimetric assay. Data obtained were analyzed with paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient test. There was no significant difference in the levels of interleukin- 4 (87.54±79.38) (pg/ml), creatinine (212.54±210.38),(µmol/l), and micro-albumin (31.88±12.01),(mg/l) of students exposed to formalin compared to the control. (P>0.05). There was a correlation between interleukin-4 levels (r=0.569, p=0.000) in pre- and post-exposure. There was no correlation between creatinine, micro-albumin, and micro-albumin creatinine ratio (p>0.05). The study concluded that there were no observed abnormal changes in the levels of interleukin-4, micro-albumin, and creatinine in students exposed to short-term formalin.