Assessment of Oxidative Stress Markers in Commercial Motorcycle Riders in Kano Metropolis

Commercial motorcycle riders (Achaba operators) in Nigerian urban environments are chronically exposed to vehicular exhaust fumes, noise, and physical stress, yet the biochemical consequences of this occupational exposure on oxidative stress status have been minimally investigated in northern Nigeria. This study assesses oxidative stress markers in commercial motorcycle riders operating in Kano metropolis. Sixty commercial riders with a minimum of two years active riding experience and forty age-matched unexposed office workers serving as controls were recruited. Fasting venous blood was collected and serum analysed for malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities as enzymatic antioxidant indicators, and reduced glutathione (GSH) as a non-enzymatic antioxidant. MDA was quantified by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured by standard colorimetric techniques. Results show significantly elevated MDA in motorcycle riders compared to controls, reflecting increased lipid peroxidation from chronic exhaust fume exposure. SOD and catalase activities were significantly reduced in the exposed group, indicating depletion of enzymatic antioxidant defences. GSH levels were also significantly lower in riders compared to controls. Years of riding experience showed a significant positive correlation with MDA levels and a negative correlation with GSH and antioxidant enzyme activities. The study demonstrates significant oxidative stress burden in this occupational group and recommends antioxidant supplementation studies and occupational health policy review in Kano State. Keywords: oxidative stress, motorcycle riders, malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes, Kano State.