SHORT REPORT

Enhanced oxidative stress in workers with a standing occupation

R Flore¹, L Gerardino¹, A Santoliquido¹, R Pola³, A Flex¹, C Di Campli¹, P Pola¹, P Tondi²

¹ Department of Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
² Division of Vascular Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
³ Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Genetics, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr R Flore
Department of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Largo A. Gemelli, 8-00165 Rome, Italy; angiologia{at}rm.unicatt.it

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown a statistically significant association between standing work and chronic venous insufficiency of lower limbs. This condition has been associated with an enhanced oxidative stress that, according to the literature, could represent a risk factor for cardiovascular and other systemic diseases.

Aims and Methods: To evaluate venous pressure of the lower limbs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) before and after work in 62 workers with a standing occupation (surgery room nurses) and 65 outpatient department nurses who can walk during their working time.

Results: After work, a statistically significant increase of venous pressure of the lower limbs levels was observed in both the study group and controls. Standing workers showed significantly higher mean levels of ROS after work.

Keywords: oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; standing occupation

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; CVI, chronic venous insufficiency; ROS, reactive oxygen species

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• Flore, R., Gerardino, L., Santoliquido, A., Catananti, C., Pola, P., Tondi, P. (2007). Reduction of oxidative stress by compression stockings in standing workers. Occup Med (Lond) 57: 337-341 [Abstract] [Full Text]