Oxidative Stress From Exposure to the Underground Space Environment.

Hongbiao Yu,Yijie Gao,Rong Zhou

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.579634

Hongbiao Yu, Yijie Gao + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.579634

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Abstract

There are a growing number of people entering underground spaces. However, underground spaces have unique environmental characteristics, and little is known about their effects on human health. It is crucial to elucidate the effects of the underground space environment on the health of humans and other organisms. This paper reviews the effects of hypoxia, toxic atmospheric particles, and low background radiation in the underground space environment on living organisms from the perspective of oxidative stress. Most studies have revealed that living organisms maintained in underground space environments exhibit obvious oxidative stress, which manifests as changes in oxidants, antioxidant enzyme activity, genetic damage, and even disease status. However, there are few relevant studies, and the pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. There remains an urgent need to focus on the biological effects of other underground environmental factors on humans and other organisms as well as the underlying mechanisms. In addition, based on biological research, exploring means to protect humans and living organisms in underground environments is also essential.

Highlights

Available surface space is decreasing, and ground resources are being exhausted [1], which causes unprecedented challenges for the sustainable development of human beings
No report has investigated oxidative stress caused by the hypoxia in underground environments in humans, we have found several reports of oxidative stress in animals caused by hypoxic factors in underground burrows
The effective exploitation and utilization of underground space and its resources is a worldwide trend, but it involves the threats of the underground space environment to human health

Summary

Introduction

Available surface space is decreasing, and ground resources are being exhausted [1], which causes unprecedented challenges for the sustainable development of human beings. Altin et al [60] investigated the SOD, GSH-Px, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in underground workers at Zonguldak coal mines and discovered that oxidative stress caused by the production of free radicals and active oxygen metabolites existed in the early and late stages of CWP diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography.

Results

Conclusion