Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a general living and occupational pollutant, classified as carcinogenic for humans. Although genotoxicity is recognized as a FA mechanism of action, a potential contribution of epigenetic effects cannot be excluded. Therefore, aim of this review is to comprehensively assess possible epigenetic alterations induced by FA exposure in humans, animals, and cellular models. A systematic review of Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Science databases was performed. DNA global methylation changes were demonstrated in workers exposed to FA, and also in human bronchial cells. Histone alterations, i.e., the reduction in acetylation of histone lysine residues, in human lung cells were induced by FA. Moreover, a dysregulation of microRNA expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cells as well as in the nose, olfactory bulb and white blood cells of rodents and nonhuman primates was reported. Although preliminary, these findings suggest the role of epigenetic modifications as possible FA mechanisms of action that need deeper qualitative and quantitative investigation. This may allow to define the role of such alterations as indicators of early biological effect and the opportunity to include such information in future risk assessment and management strategies for public and occupationally FA-exposed populations.
Highlights
Formaldehyde (FA) is a volatile, colorless, flammable, and highly reactive aldehyde, employed in the production of industrial and consumer products
Considering the ubiquitous nature of FA pollutant and the great number of job categories potentially exposed in workplaces, the aim of our review is to provide a comprehensive overview on possible epigenetic changes induced by FA exposure in humans, animals, and cellular models and to address the potential health impact derived from such effects
Peer-reviewed research articles, i.e., cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies, published in English and exploring epigenetic alterations determined by FA exposure in humans have been included together with studies performed on animal and cellular models
Summary
Formaldehyde (FA) is a volatile, colorless, flammable, and highly reactive aldehyde, employed in the production of industrial and consumer products It is present in both indoor and outdoor environments [1,2]. Direct emissions from combustion processes occurring in motor vehicles, power plants, incinerators, refineries characterize a major anthropogenic source of FA in outdoor environments [5]. Certain workplaces, such as industries involved in resin, plastics, wood, insulation, paper, textile, and chemical productions, as well as medical institutions using disinfectants and embalming chemicals experience the highest levels of the substance [3]. It is found as a natural product in most living systems [7,8]
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