Levels Of 1-hydroxypyrene Research Articles

Atherosclerotic process in taxi drivers occupationally exposed to air pollution and co-morbidities

Consistent evidence has indicated that the exposure to environmental air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of occupational exposure to air pollution, especially to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the influence of co-morbidities on the atherosclerotic process and inflammation. For that, biomarkers of exposure such as 1-hydroxypyrene urinary, oxidative damage and markers of cardiovascular risk were determined in plasma, serum and blood. In addition, inflammation models such as carotid intima-media thickness and serum inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in 58 taxi drivers with and without co-morbidity. The results demonstrated that considering only taxi drivers without co-morbidities, 15% presented carotid intima-media thickness above reference values. For the first time it has been demonstrated that urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels were associated with carotid intima-media thickness and with serum homocysteine levels. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that several factors may contribute to the increased carotid intima-media thickness, among which age, interleukin-6, fibrinogen and exposure to PAHs stand out. In summary, our results suggest that chronic occupational exposure to atmospheric pollution could be an additional contributor to the atherogenesis process, leading to impaired vascular health. Moreover, carotid intima-media thickness, serum homocysteine levels, fibrinogen and the total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio could be suggested as preventive measures to monitor drivers’ health.

Elevated levels of circulating biomarkers of cell death (nucleosomes) in the patients with plaque psoriasis treated with the Goeckerman regimen.

Nucleosomes are complexes that are formed during apoptosis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and anti-apoptotic features. Presented study was focused to expression of circulating biomarkers of cell death (circulating nucleosomes, CN) during Goeckerman therapy of psoriasis (UV, PAHs). In a group of patients with psoriasis (19), treated with Goeckerman regimen (GR), we evaluated their level of CN, level of chromosomal aberration in peripheral lymphocytes (CA), level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and their value of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Following the treatment, the serum level of CN and urinary level of 1-OHP (p<0.05) were significantly increased (p<0.01). We found significant correlation between CN and urinary level of 1-OHP after GR (r=0.57; p<0.05). Immediately after the treatment we found significantly increased total numbers of abnormal chromosomes (ABB; p<0.01) and structurally abnormal chromosomes (SAB; p<0.05). We found slightly (but statistically significant) elevated level of circulating biomarkers of cell death (nucleosomes) in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with GR (PAHs, UV radiation). We suppose that elevated level of CN is a result of combination of the positive effects of GR and its weak genotoxic effect (mainly PAHs). Conclusions are supported by significant correlation between CN and urinary level of 1-OHP after GR and significantly elevated level of CA after GR (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 28).

Lymphocyte oxidative stress/genotoxic effects are related to serum IgG and IgA levels in coke oven workers.

We investigated oxidative stress/genotoxic effects levels, immunoglobulin levels, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels exposed in 126 coke oven workers and in 78 control subjects, and evaluated the association between oxidative stress/genotoxic effects levels and immunoglobulin levels. Significant differences were observed in biomarkers, including 1-hydroxypyrene levels, employment time, percentages of alcohol drinkers, MDA, 8-OHdG levels, CTL levels and CTM, MN, CA frequency, and IgG, IgA levels between the control and exposed groups. Slightly higher 1-OHP levels in smoking users were observed. For the dose-response relationship of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE by 1-OHP, each one percentage increase in urinary 1-OHP generates a 0.109%, 0.472%, 0.051%, and 0.067% decrease in control group and generates a 0.312%, 0.538%, 0.062%, and 0.071% decrease in exposed group, respectively. Except for age, alcohol and smoking status, IgM, and IgE, a significant correlation in urinary 1-OHP and other biomarkers in the total population was observed. Additionally, a significant negative correlation in genotoxic/oxidative damage biomarkers of MDA, 8-OH-dG, CTL levels, and immunoglobins of IgG and IgA levels, especially in coke oven workers, was found. These data suggest that oxidative stress/DNA damage induced by PAHs may play a role in toxic responses for PAHs in immunological functions.

Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene Levels among Office Workers Living in Industrial Areas

We examined exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among non-smoking office workers in 2 countries living in the vicinity of a coke-oven factory by measuring their levels of urinary 1-OHP, a known metabolite of PAHs. Subjects included 10 non-smoking office workers in Kitakyushu city (Japan) and 20 workers in Thai Nguyen city (Vietnam). Measurement was optimized by using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method developed by Jongeneelen et al. This method required only a small amount of urine and had a short incubation time, and its detection limit was very low (0.00448 ng/ml), which was practical and highly sensitive.The median urinary 1-OHP concentration in the Vietnamese subjects (0.417 ng/mg creatinine) was six times as high as that in the Japanese subjects (0.069 ng/mg creatinine) (P < 0.001). However, both concentrations were significantly below the guideline level, below which there is no genotoxic effect, implying a low probability of any adverse health effects.Our measurements from both countries showed higher urinary 1-OHP concentrations than in previous studies from locations without factories, indicating that ambient air pollution from industrial emissions is an important source of PAH exposure. Finally, the urinary 1-OHP concentrations did not correlate with gender or lifestyle factors.

Personal exposure levels of PAHs in the general population in northern rural area of Jiangsu Province, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds that are produced by incomplete combustion of organic matters. Studies in humans have shown associations between PAHs exposure and development of cancers. Urinary monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) are a class of PAH metabolites used as biomarkers for estimating human exposure to PAHs. We collected 332 urinary samples from a nonoccupational population in northern rural area of Jiangsu. Levels of 2-hydroxynathalene (2-OHN), 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHF) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) were measured as biomarkers to assess body PAHs burdens. Three PAH metabolites were detected in more than 80% of urinary samples. After being adjusted with urinary creatinine concentration, the urinary concentrations were determined as 2-OHF > 1-OHP > 2-OHN in terms. The medians of 2-OHN, 2-OHF, 1-OHP for the general population were 1.74, 30.01, 25.24 μmoL/moL creatinine, respectively. The results demonstrated that nonoccupational populations in northern rural area of Jiangsu were exposed to extremely high PAHs. The urinary concentration (median and geometric mean) of 2-OHN,2-OHF,1-OHP in males (1.90, 0.37 ± 0.46; 34.90, 1.53 ± 0.41; 27.84, 1.52 ± 0.29 μmoL/moL creatinine, respectively) was slightly higher than in females (1.56, 0.32 ± 0.42; 29.60, 1.48 ± 0.40; 23.13, 1.49 ± 0.32 μmoL/moL creatinine, respectively). However, only 2-OHN was different significantly between males and females.

Increased urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels among adults living near a petrochemical complex

Increased urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels among adults living near a petrochemical complex

The influence of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphism on the concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in cPAHs exposed Iranian anode plant workers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental pollutants in the occupational settings which are associated with an increased risk of cancer. CYP and GST enzymes have an important role in metabolism of PAHs. Genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes may affect their capacity for oxidation and detoxification of PAHs which will result in variation in PAHs metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels with genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphism in the Iranian anode plant workers. The study population consisted of 42 workers working in carbon anode plant in an aluminum production industry and matched control group consisted of 43 office workers. Personal air sampling was performed to assess workers atmospheric exposure to carcinogenic PAHs. Blood samples were taken for DNA extraction and determination of GSTM1 and CYP1A1 polymorphism. Urine samples were taken immediately after the end of the working shift on the last working day for analysis of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 16 software. The mean concentration of occupational exposure to cPAHs in the exposed group was 11.42 μg/m3 ranging from 3.6 to 31.5 μg/m3. Mean level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in the exposed and control groups was 6.32±4.9 μmole/mole creatinine and 0.54±.48 μmole/mole creatinine respectively. According to the statistical analysis we found no influence of CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism on the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels of exposed and control subjects before and after stratification according to smoking habit. Our results also showed that, GSTM1 null genotype is associated with significantly higher levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene before stratification according to smoking habit in the exposed subjects (P=0.003) and after stratification the association remained statistically significant only in the non smoker subjects (P= 0.003). Association of GSTM1 null genotype with higher levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene shows higher susceptibility of these genotype carriers to genotoxic effects of PAHs and employment of GSTM1 null carriers in the occupational settings with high levels of PAHs pollution should be reconsidered. Regarding the CYP1A1 polymorphism, it seems more studies, especially with large sample sizes, are necessary for achieving conclusive results.

Influence of genetic polymorphisms on biomarkers of exposure and effects in children living in Upper Silesia

This article is a follow-up to our previous molecular epidemiology studies on the DNA damage in children from the Upper Silesia region of Poland. It is expected that metabolic and DNA repair gene polymorphisms may modulate individual susceptibility to environmental exposure. In this study, we investigate the association between polymorphisms of metabolising (CYP2D, EPHX1, GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1, NAT2) and DNA repair (XPD, XRCC1, XRCC3) genes and selected biomarkers of exposure and effect such as levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and urinary mutagenicity, aromatic DNA adducts, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) in 74 children. Both 1-OHP concentration and urinary mutagenicity tested by TA98+S9 were significantly higher in individuals with EPHX1 (exon 4) Arg/Arg genotype than in individuals with other genotype. The EPHX1 (exon 3) significantly affected urinary mutagenicity tested with strain YG1024+S9. The urinary mutagenicity in individuals with Tyr/Tyr homozygotes was lower than in individuals with Tyr/His and His/His (1057±685 vs. 1432±1003 revertants/mol creatinine). XRCC3 Met/Met genotype was associated with significantly higher levels of 1-OHP in urine compared with only The/Met genotype. The PAH-DNA adduct levels in the subgroup with GSTM1 null genotype was 2-fold higher than in individuals with GSTM1 active (7.06±5.12 vs. 13.14±9.81 adduct/10(8) nucleotides). The mean level of aromatic DNA adducts in children with deletion of the GSTT1 gene was significantly higher compared with individuals with that gene present (8.03±6.23 vs. 14.66±10.70 adduct/10(8) nucleotides). Also the carriers of the XPD Lys/Lys genotype showed higher levels of DNA adducts than heterozygotes (13.16±9.70 vs. 6.81±5.86 adducts/10(8) nucleotides). Children carrying the XRCC3-241 Met/Met genotype exhibited a higher number of SCE in peripheral blood lymphocytes than carriers of Thr/Met allele (8.15±0.86 vs. 7.62±0.79 SCE/cell). It was also observed that children with the GSTP1 slow conjugator had significantly elevated MN in peripheral blood lymphocytes compared with fast conjugator (4.23±3.49 vs. 6.56±5.00 MN/1000 cells).

CYP1A1 genetic polymorphism and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on pulmonary function in the elderly: Haplotype-based approach for gene–environment interaction

Lung function may be impaired by environmental pollutants not only acting alone, but working with genetic factors as well. Few epidemiologic studies have been conducted to explore the interplay of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and genetic polymorphism on lung function in the elderly. For genetic polymorphism, haplotype is considered a more informative unit than single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Therefore, we examined the role of haplotype based-CYP1A1 polymorphism in the effect of PAHs exposure on lung function in 422 participants from a community-based panel of elderly adults in Seoul, Korea.Linear mixed effect models were fit to evaluate the association of PAH exposure markers (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol) with FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75, and then the interaction with CYP1A1 haplotype constructed from three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the gene (rs4646421/rs4646422/rs1048943).Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels were inversely associated with FEV1/FVC (p<0.05), whereas urinary 2-naphthol levels failed to show associations with lung function. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was significantly associated with decrease in FEV1/FVC among participants with rs4646421 variants (CT+TT), rs4646422 wild-type (GG), and rs1048943 wild-type (AA). At least one TGA haplotype predicted a 0.88% (95% confidence interval, 0.31–1.45%) reduction in FEV1/FVC with an interquartile range increase in 1-hydroxypyrene, whereas no relationship was observed in participants without TGA haplotype (p for interaction=0.045). Similar patterns were also observed in FEF25–75. We did not find any main effects of CYP1A1 genetic polymorphisms on lung functions.Our findings suggest that PAH exposure producing 1-hydroxypyrene as a metabolite compromises lung function in the elderly, and that haplotype-based CYP1A1 polymorphism modifies the risk.

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration from Mexican children living in the southeastern region in Mexico

Biomass combustion indoors has been associated with generation of various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, respirable particles, toluene, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), among others. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (as a biomarker exposure to PAHs) levels in children living in three states in Mexico. We evaluated children living in communities that use biomass fuels to cook and to heat homes in the next states: Chiapas, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo. We found similar levels of 1-OHP in urine of children living in the three studied states, with mean levels of 3.5 ± 1.0; 4.5 ± 2.8 and 4.4 ± 2.5 μg/L (geometric mean ± standard deviation), respectively for Chiapas, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo. In conclusion, our data indicate high exposure levels to PAHs in children living in the states studied in this work.

DDT, DDE, and 1-hydroxypyrene levels in children (in blood and urine samples) from Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico

The aim of this study was to evaluate the DDT, DDE, and 1-hydroxypyrene exposure levels of children living in communities located in southeastern Mexico. The study communities were Lacanja and Victoria in Chiapas state and Ventanilla in Oaxaca state. Children living in Lacanja had total blood DDT levels (mean ± SD, 29,039.6 ± 11,261.4 ng/g lipid) that were significantly higher than those of children in Victoria (10,220.5 ± 7,893.1 ng/g lipid) and Ventanilla (11,659.7 ± 6,683.7 ng/g lipid). With respect to the 1-hydroxypyrene levels in urine samples, the levels in Lacanja (4.8 ± 4.1 μg/L or 4.5 ± 3.9 μmol/mol creatinine) and Victoria (4.6 ± 3.8 μg/L or 3.9 ± 3.0 μmol/mol Cr) were significantly higher than levels found in Ventanilla (3.6 ± 1.4 μg/L or 2.5 ± 0.5 μmol/mol Cr). In conclusion, our data indicate high levels of exposure in children living in the communities studied in this work. The evidence found in this study could be further used as a trigger to revisit local policies on environmental exposures.

Global and MGMT promoter hypomethylation independently associated with genomic instability of lymphocytes in subjects exposed to high-dose polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Global hypomethylation, gene-specific methylation, and genome instability are common events in tumorigenesis. To date, few studies have examined the aberrant DNA methylation patterns in coke oven workers, who are highly at risk of lung cancer by occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We recruited 82 PAH-exposed workers and 62 unexposed controls, assessed exposure levels by urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, and measured genetic damages by comet assay, bleomycin sensitivity, and micronucleus assay. The PAHs in coke oven emissions (COE) were estimated based on toxic equivalency factors. We used bisulfite-PCR pyrosequencing to quantitate DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) and O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Further, the methylation alteration was also investigated in COE-treated human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. We found there are higher levels of PAHs in COE. Among PAH-exposed workers, LINE-1 and MGMT methylation levels (with CpG site specificity) were significantly lowered. LINE-1, MGMT, and its hot CpG site-specific methylation were negatively correlated with urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels (r = -0.329, p < 0.001; r = -0.164, p = 0.049 and r = -0.176, p = 0.034, respectively). In addition, LINE-1 methylation was inversely associated with comet tail moment and micronucleus frequency, and a significant increase of micronucleus in low MGMT methylation group. In vitro study revealed that treatment of COE in 16HBE cells resulted in higher production of BPDE-DNA adducts, LINE-1 hypomethylation, hypomethylation, and suppression of MGMT expression. These findings suggest hypomethylation of LINE-1 and MGMT promoter could be used as markers for PAHs exposure and merit further investigation.

Association of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Gene Polymorphism With the Neurobehavioral Function and Autonomic Nervous System Function Changes Induced by Benzo[a]Pyrene Exposure in Coke Oven Workers

To analyze the association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) gene polymorphism and the neurotoxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in coke oven workers. Subjects, 214 coke oven workers and 81 controls, were detected for neurobehavioral function and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Airborne B[a]P concentration, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level, and AhR gene polymorphisms were determined and analyzed for their association with B[a]P neurotoxicity. Neurobehavioral function and ANS function were significantly decreased and dependent on B[a]P dose. The AhR GG, GA, and AA genotypes in G1661A fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equation, whereas C1549T and G1708A gene mutants were not detected. Indices indicating neurotoxicity showed no significant difference among individuals with AA, GG, or GA genotype except for the confusion-bewilderment (P > 0.05). The AhR gene polymorphism is not thought to correlate with B[a]P neurotoxicity among coke oven workers.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as determinants of various anthropometric measures of birth outcome

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are known to induce oxidative stress. There have been several reports about the link between PAH exposure and complications in pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted to: (1) measure the levels of benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Ch), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (DBahA) in placentas and maternal and -umbilical cord blood obtained at delivery from 1578 women between June 2005 and 2006 in the area of Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia; (2) assess their influence on various anthropometric measures of birth outcome taking into consideration the carcinogenic properties of these PAHs; and (3) determine the degree of PAH-related oxidative DNA damage and birth outcome. Among the five tested PAHs, only BaP was carcinogenic; therefore, the levels of the other four probable or possible carcinogenic PAHs (BaA, Ch, BaF, and DBahA) were summed as ∑4-PAHs. Levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) were determined in maternal urine samples as a biomarker of PAH internal dose. Urinary cotinine (COT) was measured as an index of smoking. The following markers of oxidative stress were selected: malondialdehyde (MDA) in cord (C-MDA) and maternal (M-MDA) serum and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in maternal urine. None of the tested PAHs was found in maternal or cord blood. However, all five PAH compounds were detected in placentas; Ch was the highest (6.582μg/kg dry wt.), and BaA was the lowest (0.236μg/kg dry wt.). The mean concentration of urinary 1-HP found in this study was 0.216±0.856μg/g Cr. After adjusting for gestational age and other confounding variables, regression models revealed an inverse relationship between placental weight, cord length and placental BaP. A similar trend was observed between cord length and ∑4-PAHs in placental tissues. Urinary 1-HP, though, cannot be used as an unequivocal biomarker of PAH exposure, but it can be an appropriate indicator of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The data demonstrate that ETS exposure (as measured by urinary COT) may adversely affect birth outcome as shown by reduced head circumference, birth weight, and birth length, as well as increased cephalization index. The positive relationship between 8-OHdG levels and 1-HP in urine provides evidence of an oxidative stress mechanism. Although this study provides no direct evidence of an association between PAH exposure and DNA damage, increased oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation significantly affected various birth measures. Therefore, there is a need for studies regarding PAH exposure and its associated biological effects to determine the extent of potential fetal damage as well as possible long-term effects, such as cancer.

Epigenetic markers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mexican brickmakers: A pilot study

A pilot cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of 39 male brick manufacturers in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to identify epigenetic biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A questionnaire was used to compile the smoking and drinking habits, clinical history, working time, and socioeconomic characteristics of the participants. 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels were measured from urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography, and genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples for methylation analysis using pyrosequencing. The mean 1-OHP level was 0.18μgg−1 creatinine (range 0.023–1.11), which was below the expected occupational exposure level. After adjusting for potential confounders, the 1-OHP urine concentration was negatively associated with DNA methylation of the interleukin 12 (β=−1.57; 95% CI: −2.9 to −0.23; p=0.02) and p53 gene promoters (β=−2.7; 95% CI: −5.46–0.06; p=0.055). Suggestive negative associations were also found for the TNF-α gene (β=−3.9; 95% CI:−8.28–0.48; p=0.08) and Alu sequences (β=−0.55; 95% CI:−1.25–0.16; p=0.12). Although the individual exposures to PAHs as estimated by urinary 1-OHP concentrations were low, changes in specific and global DNA methylation were observed.

1-Hydroxypyrene Levels in Blood Samples of Rats after Exposure to Generator Fumes

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major component of fuel generator fumes. Carcinogenicity of these compounds has long been established. In this study, 37 Swiss albino rats were exposed to generator fumes at varied distances for 8 hours per day for a period of 42 days and the level of 1-hydroxypyrene in their blood was evaluated. This study also tried to correlate the level of blood 1-hyroxypyrene with the distance from the source of pollution. Plasma was collected by centrifuging the whole blood sample followed by complete hydrolysis of the conjugated 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide to yield the analyte of interest, 1-hydroxypyrene, which was achieved using beta glucuronidase. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detector was used to determine the 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the blood samples. The mobile phase was water:methanol (12:88 v/v) isocratic run at the flow rate of 1.2 mL/min with CI8 stationary phase at 250 nm. After 42 days of exposure, blood concentration level of 1-hydroxypyrene ranged from 34 μg/mL to 26.29 μg/mL depending on the distance from source of exposure. The control group had no 1-hydroxypyrene in their blood. After the period of exposure, percentage of death correlated with the distance from the source of exposure. Percentage of death ranged from 56% to zero depending on the proximity to source of pollution.

Levels of p53 protein as biomarker in plasma of workers exposed to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of the p53 protein as biomarker in plasma of workers of a carbon anode plant exposed to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs). The exposed population consisted of 42 workers in the plant and a matched control group consisting of 43 office workers. Personal air sampling was performed to assess workers' atmospheric exposure to cPAHs. Blood and urine samples were taken to determine the plasma levels of the p53 protein using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses were performed. Occupational exposure to cPAHs in the exposed group ranged from 3.6 to 31.5 µg m−3. The mean level of 1-hydroxypyrene in the exposed group was significantly higher compared to the control group (6.3 ± 4.9 and 0.5 ± 0.5 µmol mol−1 creatinine, respectively; p < 0.001). Mean plasma levels of the p53 protein in the exposed and control subjects were significantly different (2.2 ± 0.6 U mL−1 and 1.7 ± 0.5 U mL−1, respectively; p < 0.001). A correlation between p53 protein plasma level and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (r = 0.44, p = 0.01) was found. The p53 protein can serve as a biomarker of cPAHs exposure and effects; however, to evaluate the validity of this biomarker over time, long term follow up is required.

Effects of smoking on the concentrations of urinary 10 metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coke oven workers

To explore the effects of smoking on urinary 10 metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the coke oven workers. Occupational health examination was performed on 1401 coke oven workers in one coking plant, their urine were collected respectively. The concentrations of the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The 1401 workers were divided into four groups, namely control, adjunct workplaces, bottom and side, top group according to their workplaces and the different concentrations of PAHs in the environment. The concentrations of the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons between smokers and nonsmokers in each workplace group were compared using analysis of covariance, respectively. The levels of concentrations of the sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons we detected at control were significantly higher than those at other areas (P < 0.05). Comparing the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels between smokers and nonsmokers, the levels of 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxynaphthalene among smokers were higher than nonsmokers with statistically significance in control, adjunct workplaces, bottom and side and top groups (P < 0.05). However, the levels of 1-hydroxypyrene had no statistically significant differences between the four areas. Urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxynaphthalene may be used as biomarkers for the impact of smoking on monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coke oven workers.

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from coke oven emissions and reproductive toxicity in nonsmoking workers

The objective of the cross-sectional study was to assess whether exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from coke oven emissions contributed to alteration of semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in nonsmoking workers. Nonsmoking coke oven workers from a steel plant in Taiwan served as the exposure groups (topside-oven workers for the high exposure group and side-oven workers for the low exposure group), and administrators and security personnel in the plant served as the control. An exposure assessment was conducted to determine both particulate and gaseous phase of PAH levels and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels. Semen quality was analyzed according to WHO guidelines. DNA fragmentation and bulky DNA adducts were measured to assess sperm DNA integrity. There was no significant difference in sperm concentrations, vitality, and DNA fragmentation between the exposed group and the control. The high exposure group experienced significantly lower percentages of normal morphology as compared with the control (p=0.0001). Bulky DNA adducts were detected in the exposed group that were significant higher than the control (p=0.04). Exposure to PAHs from coke-oven emissions could contribute to increased levels of bulky DNA adducts in sperm.

The effect of occupational exposure to benzo[a]pyrene on neurobehavioral function in coke oven workers

Coke oven workers are regularly exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), known as an indicator species for PAH contamination, is a neurobehavioral toxicant. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between B[a]P exposure, a B[a]P-related urinary metabolite and neurobehavioral function among coke oven workers. Coke oven workers and oxygen factory workers participated in this study. B[a]P exposure was monitored by air sampling pump, and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) level was detected with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A questionnaire and the neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB) were administered to all subjects. B[a]P-exposed workers were found to have higher urinary 1-OHP levels and worse NCTB performances on eight items than control workers. B[a]P concentrations were higher in the coke oven plant than that in the controls' workplace. The performances on simple reaction time, correct pursuit aiming, and error pursuit aiming decreased with increasing airborne B[a]P in coke oven workers. There were significant correlations between urinary 1-OHP level and six items of the NCTB. Occupational exposure to B[a]P is associated with neurobehavioral function impairment in coke oven workers.