Urinary 1-OHP Research Articles

Influence on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations of human paraoxonase 1 polymorphism (Q192R) and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mexican women, a gene-environment interaction

It has been demonstrated that Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are a consequence of the combination of genetic and environmental factors and/or the interaction between them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) exposure and PON1 Q192R polymorphism (genetic susceptibility) on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in Mexican women (n = 206). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations (1-OHP; exposure biomarker for PAHs) were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography technique, PON1 Q192R polymorphism was genotyped using TaqMan probes and serum ADMA concentrations were evaluated using a commercially available ELISA kit. Urinary 1-OHP levels detected in this study ranged from 0.07 to 9.37 μmol/mol of creatinine (0.13–18.0 μg/g of creatinine). Regarding allele frequency (PON1 Q192R polymorphism), the 192Q-allele frequency was 0.43 and for the 192R-allele it was 0.57. In relation to serum ADMA levels, the levels ranged from 0.06 to 1.46 μmol/L. Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis was performed and associations between urinary 1-OHP levels (β = 0.05, p = 0.002), PON1 Q192R polymorphism (β = 0.04, p = 0.003) and serum ADMA concentrations were found. Besides, an interaction (gene-environment interaction) of both independent variables (1-OHP and PON1 polymorphism) on serum ADMA levels was found (β = 0.04, p = 0.02) in the constructed multiple linear model. Therefore, according to the significance of this research, it is necessary to execute health programs to reduce cardiovascular risk in the assessed population.

The relationship between histone H3Ser10 phosphorylation and DNA damage in periphery blood lymphocytes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposed workers

Objective: To investigate the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure on the level of histone H3Ser10 phosphorylation (p-H3S10) and DNA damage degree in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBLCs). Method: 75 coke oven workers from Benxi steel plant in Liaoning Province of China (PAHs-exposed group) and local 50 hot rolling workers (control group) were recruited in this study with age, working years, labor intensity and high temperature for matching factors using cluster sampling method in 2014. HPLC-fluorescence was performed to determine the level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), DNA damage and specific histone modification were measured in PBLCs of the subjects through comet assay and ELISA assay, respectively. Linear regression model analysis was used to analyze the differences among PAHs exposure, DNA damage and p-H3S10 level in two groups. The Mediation analysis was used to analyze the regulated relationships between urinary 1-OHP, DNA damage and histone modification through the bootstrap method. Results: Age of the control and the exposed group were (45.32±8.32) and (43.87±5.67) years old (P=0.284). The concentration of urinary 1-OHP, OTM value, Tail DNA% and p-H3S10 level in exposure group were higher than that in control group, while the M (P(5)-P(95)) of p-H3S10 levels in control and exposed group were 2.21 (0.68-4.71), 4.54 (1.85-23.91) (P<0.001). The degree p-H3S10 level was increased after the subgroups which were (2.59±1.19)%, (3.24±2.81)%, (5.55±3.25)%, (8.77±7.84)%, respectively, divided by quantitated 1-OHP concentration as P(0)-P(25), P(26)-P(50), P(51)-P(75) and P(76)-P(100) (P<0.001). We also found the correlations between urinary 1-OHP and p-H3S10 level or OTM value or Tail DNA%, β (95%CI) were 0.264 (0.167-0.360), 0.500 (0.299-0.702), and 0.510 (0.384-0.671), respectively (P<0.001). Similar result was also observed between p-H3S10 level and OTM value or Tail DNA%, β (95%CI) were 0.149 (0.073-0.226) and 0.220 (0.132-0.308) (P<0.001). Moreover, the mediation effect value of DNA damage on PAHs induced p-H3S10 alteration was 0.054(P=0.040). Conclusion: The results suggested that PAHs exposure could induce DNA damage and an increase in histone H3Ser10 phosphorylation in PBLCs. Particularly, the alteration of H3S10 phosphorylation may play an important role in regulating cell DNA damage repair.

Effect of the GSTM1 genotype on the biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Meta-analysis.

The role of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) in the biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is not clear. Our purpose has been to evaluate the influence of GSTM1 genotypes on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) adducts, and micronucleus frequency in both occupational and non-occupational populations of null and active GSTM1 carriers. We conducted a meta-analysis on 25 articles that met our strict inclusion criteria (11 studies on 1-OHP, 9 on DNA adducts, and 5 on the micronucleus frequency). In the case of occupationally exposed workers, micronucleus frequency was only significantly higher in the null GSTM1 carriers than in the active GSTM1 carriers. In the non-occupationally exposed general population, 1-OHP and micronucleus frequency were significantly higher in the null GSTM1 carriers. The results of Egger's test and funnel plot analysis indicated no significant publication bias. In conclusion, GSTM1 genotypes may affect the urinary 1-OHP in the non-occupationally exposed general population, and micronucleus frequency in both occupational workers and non-occupational population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(2):177-201.

Tracing biomarker of PAH-exposure and susceptibility factor (GSTM-polymorphism) among cancer patients in Pakistan

We studied cancer patients for possible PAH exposure, using urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as a biomarker of internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The subjects included in this study belonged to various socio-demographic backgrounds, and were diagnosed with cancer (i.e. lung, head and neck or digestive tract cancer). In general, we observed high concentration of urinary 1-OHP among digestive tract cancer patients, compared with the controls (CN) (mean 1.06, median 1.03 and mean 0.62, median 0.63 μmol/mol-Cr in digestive tract cancer patients and controls respectively). The concentrations of urinary 1-OHP were higher than the background level of PAHs; therefore, these groups could have been exposed to PAHs. Highest urinary 1-OHP concentration was observed in digestive tract cancer patients (median 1.25 μmol/mol-Cr) with GSTM-1 genotype. The results of PCA were consistent with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The contribution of urinary 1-OHP eigenvector revealed a relatively high PAH-exposure among cancer patients compared with CN, while diet and age were influential parameters among cancer patients, which could have a strong link in cancer etiology in the selected exposure groups.

A association of genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 and damage levels in workers exposed to coal tar pitch

Objective: To study the relationship between XRCC1 gene polymorphism and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers exposed to coal tar pitch. Methods: 203 coal tar asphalt device operation area workers (exposure group) and 76 logistics management personnel (control group) as the research ob-ject, determination of 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the urine as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons expo-sure dose, using the alkaline comet assay evaluation a peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage degree, using TaqMan MGB real time PCR method to detect XRCC1 gene 3 loci (XRCC1-194, XRCC1-280 and XRCC1-399) single nucleotide polymorphism. Results: No significant differences was observed in age, sex, smoking and alco-hol consumption between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of 1-OHP in the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.27±0.93 μg/g creatinine) (P<0.05). The comet Olive tail moment level (3.21±0.93) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.94 ± 0.39) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in genotype distribution of XRCC1-194, XRCC1-280 and XRCC1-399 between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation be-tween the XRCC1-280 locus gene polymorphism and comet Olive tail moment in the exposure group (P<0.05) af-ter adjustment for sex, age, smoking rate, drinking rate, length of service and urinary 1-OHP concentration. The comet Olive tail moment level of GG individuals carrying wild homozygous genotype was significantly lower than that of individuals carrying heterozygous genotype GA and carrying mutant homozygous genotype AA (P< 0.05) , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) The comet Olive tail moment level of heterozy-gous genotype GA was significantly lower than that of genotype AA with mutational homozygous genotype AA (P<0.05) , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Arg280His locus polymor-phism of XRCC1 gene may influence the DNA damage level of peripheral blood lymphocytes induced by occupational exposure to coal tar pitch.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient particulate matter PM2.5 and 1-hydroxypyrene in children from an area near an oil refinery in Northeast Mexico

ABSTRACTExposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Urban areas characteristically have high concentrations of PAHs associated with vehicle traffic and industry; among these oil refining stands out. One of the six refineries in Mexico has operated in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey since 1979. The objective of this study was to evaluate exposure to PAHs by determining 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentration in children living in an urban area near an oil refinery as well as to determine the relative health risk by exposure to PAHs in this population. This study included 90 children of both sexes aged 5–12 years. Two urine samples were collected, one in summer and one in winter to determine urinary 1-OHP. At the same time, the concentrations of PAHs associated with PM2.5 were collected in the study area. The mean concentration of 1-OHP was 0.14 μmol/mol of creatinine. Twelve PAHs were quantified, seven are potential carcinogenics and one (benzo[a]pyrene) is carcinogenic for humans, and used as an indicator of cancer relative risk from exposure to PAHs. The annual average concentration of benzo[a]pyrene suggest an excess lifetime cancer risk of 1/100,000 habitants, in the study area.

First evidence of high urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level among rural school children during smoke haze episode in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Smoke haze from biomass burning has been a crisis in northern Thailand. There have been plenty of reports on ambient PM10 and PAHs but not on individual exposure during smoke haze episodes. The present study aimed to quantify urinary 1-OHP, a predominant biomarker of PAH exposure, among 200 rural school children in Om Koi and Mae Chaem districts, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Questionnaires for information regarding environmental exposure and health diaries were given out. Urine samples were collected to measure 1-OHP using high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection, HPLC-FLD (HP1100 Series/HP1046A). Proficiency testing materials were obtained from the participation of German External Quality Assessment Scheme (G-EQUAS, Erlangen, Germany) and analyzed as part of the method validation of our urinary 1-OHP method. The median urinary 1-OHP level in the school children from Om Koi District was significantly higher than that in Mae Chaem District (0.70 versus 0.24 μmol/mol cr). The present study showed the evidence that urinary 1-OHP level among school children from the selected study sites during haze episode in northern Thailand is higher than those reported in other region of Thailand and other countries.

Biological monitoring of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene by PAHs exposure among primary school students in Shiraz, Iran

This research aimed to estimate PAHs exposure in primary school students and determine its association with other PAHs-related factors. In total, 120 male primary school students (9-12years old) were randomly selected from urban and suburban areas in Shiraz. The parents were required to complete a questionnaire including information about second-hand smoke exposure, residential traffic density, daily diet, and walking or being driven to school. High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector was also used to analyze urinary 1-OHP. t test, ANOVA (with Ducan's post hoc test), and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between quantitative and qualitative variables and urinary 1-OHP concentration. The range and geometric mean of the creatinine-corrected 1-OHP levels were 120-6950 and 1460ng/g creatinine, respectively. Besides, 1-OHP levels were higher among the children with smoker parents compared to those having non-smoker parents. The results also revealed a correlation between the duration of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and 1-OHP concentration. This correlation was also observed for daily uptake of smoked or grilled foods. However, traffic congestion did not have any significant effects on 1-OHP levels. PAHs are commonly present in Iranian diet. As a result, the weekly intake of dietary PAHs was the most effective predictor of PAHs exposure in the study population. Due to adverse health effects of PAHs on humans, especially children, more extensive studies are required to identify the sources that contribute to environmental PAHs exposure.

Serum adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) levels in women from Mexico exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Recent studies indicate that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a very important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Correspondingly, adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (FABP4, also known as aP2 and AFABP) has been proposed as a new, meaningful and useful biomarker to predict metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum FABP4 levels in Mexican women exposed to PAHs. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene ((1-OHP), exposure biomarker for PAHs) levels were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique, and serum FABP4 concentrations were analyzed using a commercially available ELISA kit. The mean urinary 1-OHP level found in women participating in this study was 1.30±1.10μmol/mol creatinine (2.45±2.10μg/g creatinine). Regarding serum FABP4 concentrations, the levels ranged from 3.80 to 62.5ng/mL in the assessed population. Moreover, a significant association (p<0.001) was found between urinary 1-OHP levels and serum FABP4 concentrations in women after adjusting for potential confounding variables. The presented data in this study can be considered only as a starting point for further studies. Then, in order to elucidate whether FABP4 represents a risk factor for CVD disease in humans exposed to air contaminants (such as PAHs), large epidemiological studies are necessary.

Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in Mexican women exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): A preliminary study

Recent studies indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants (as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) is a very important risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Correspondingly, in recent times asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been proposed as a new and meaningful biomarker predictor for the risk of CVDs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate plasma ADMA concentrations in Mexican women (n=155) exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene [(1-OHP), exposure biomarker for PAHs] levels were quantified using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique and plasma ADMA concentrations were analyzed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Urinary 1-OHP levels in all women assessed ranged from <LOD to 8.80μmol/mol creatinine. Regarding plasma ADMA concentrations, the mean levels ranged from 0.66 to 1.00μmol/L. Moreover, a significantly relationship was found between plasma ADMA concentrations and urinary 1-OHP levels (p=0.005; r=0.390). In conclusion, the results showed in this study demonstrated that the urinary 1-OHP levels were significant predictors of plasma ADMA concentrations in Mexican women exposed to PAHs. Although with due caution regarding the low representativeness of the present screening, it can be considered as a preliminary work to perform prospective studies including greater number of individuals and focusing in a more complete characterization of the effects produced by PAHs exposure on cardiovascular health.

Quantification of 1-hydroxypyrene in undiluted human urine samples using magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of ubiquitous environmental contaminants raising worldwide concerns due to their carcinogenic effects. In this study, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP, the most widely used biomarker of internal dose of PAHs exposure) in undiluted human urine samples (10 mL) was selectively enriched by polypyrrole-coated Fe3O4 magnetite nanocomposites (termed as Fe3O4@Ppy, 1 mg) and then directly eluted by the electrospraying solvent (acetone/benzene/acetic acid (v/v/v, 90/10/1); 100 uL) biased with −3.5 kV to produce the deprotonated 1-OHP anions for mass spectrometric analysis. The method established here significantly improved the current performance for detection of urinary 1-OHP, providing the speed for a single sample analysis within 4 min, the limits of detection (LOD) of 0.0001 μg L−1, the linear response range of 0.001–5.000 μg L−1 (R2 = 0.9994), recovery rates of 90.6–96.1%, and relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 6) values between 2.9% and 8.0%. Human samples including raw human urine collected from 10 healthy volunteers (5 smokers and 5 nonsmokers) and 7 lung cancer patients have been successfully analyzed, showing that magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) coupled with internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (iEESI-MS) is an alternative strategy for high throughput quantitative detection of urinary 1-OHP for health risk assessment of PAHs exposure.

Urinary elimination kinetics of 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene of workers in a prebake aluminum electrode production plant: Evaluation of diuresis correction methods for routine biological monitoring

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous carcinogenic pollutants emitted in complex mixtures in the ambient air and contribute to the incidence of human cancers. Taking into account all absorption routes, biomonitoring is more relevant than atmospheric measurements to health risk assessment, but knowledge about how to use biomarkers is essential. In this work, urinary elimination kinetic of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (3-OHBaP) were studied in six electrometallurgy workers after PAHs exposure. Spot samples were collected on pre- and post-shift of the last workday then the whole urinations were separately sampled during the weekend. Non-linear mixed effects models were built to study inter- and intra-individual variability of both urinary metabolites toxicokinetic and investigate diuresis correction ways. Comparison of models confirmed the diuresis correction requirement to perform urinary biomonitoring of pyrene and BaP exposure. Urinary creatinine was found as a better way than specific gravity to normalize urinary concentrations of 1-OHP and as a good compromise for 3-OHBaP. Maximum observed levels were 1.0 µmol/mol creatinine and 0.8nmol/mol creatinine for 1-OHP and 3-OHBaP, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP concentrations on post-shift were higher than pre-shift for each subject, while 3-OHBaP levels were steady or decreased, and maximum urinary excretion rates of 3-OHBaP was delayed compared to 1-OHP. These results were consistent with the sampling time previously proposed for 3-OHBaP analysis, the next morning after exposure. Apparent urinary half-life of 1-OHP and 3-OHBaP ranged from 12.0h to 18.2h and from 4.8h to 49.5h, respectively. Finally, inter-individual variability of 1-OHP half-life seemed linked with the cutaneous absorption extent during exposure, while calculation of 3-OHBaP half-life required the awareness of individual urinary background level. The toxicokinetic modeling described here is an efficient tool which could be used to describe elimination kinetic and determine diuresis correction way for any other urinary biomarkers of chemicals or metals exposure.

Particle-Associated Ambient Benzo[a]pyrene and Levels of Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene in a Non-occupationally Exposed Population of Adults and Children in Lanzhou, China.

Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in ambient air from different areas in Lanzhou city in northwest of China, and its metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in the urine of resident children and adults were determined by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that the atmospheric environmental concentration of B[a]P varied significantly from one part of the city to another with levels of 150ng/m(3) in the industrial area of Xigu and 73.8ng/m(3) in the agricultural area of Yuzhong. The geometric mean urinary 1-OHP concentration was 0.42µmol/mol-creatinine, with a range of means between 0.067 and 2.05 for the various population sub-groups. The non-occupationally exposed populations' age, gender and area of residence were the major factors that influenced urinary 1-OHP levels. The health risks of B[a]P for adults and children in Xigu and for children in Yuzhong exceeded the acceptable level (1×10(-4)) of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration as an exposure biomarker to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mexican women from different hot spot scenarios and health risk assessment.

Recently, in developing countries, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been considered contaminants of grave concern for women and children. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) evaluate exposure assessment to PAHs using urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as an exposure biomarker and (2) perform a health risk assessment in women from four different high risk scenarios in Mexico. From 2012 to 2013, in a cross-sectional study, we evaluated a total of 184 healthy women from the following scenarios: (A) indoor biomass combustion site (n = 50); (B) brick manufacturing site using different materials such as fuel sources (n = 70); (C) industrial site (n = 44); and (D) high vehicular traffic site (n = 20). 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Afterward, a probabilistic health risk assessment was performed (Monte Carlo analysis). Mean urinary 1-OHP levels found were 0.92 ± 0.92; 0.91 ± 0.83; 0.22 ± 0.19; and 0.14 ± 0.17 μg/L for scenario A, B, C, and D, respectively. Then, based on the measured urinary 1-OHP levels, the estimated median daily intake doses of pyrene were calculated: 659, 623, 162, and 77.4 ng/kg/day for the women participating in the study living in areas A, B, C, and D, respectively, and finally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated (22 ± 21, 21 ± 20, 5.5 ± 5.5, and 2.6 ± 3.5; for areas A, B, C, and D, respectively), high health risk was noted for the women living in the studied communities. The data shown in this study (exposure levels to PAHs and health risk assessment) made it reasonable to conclude that the exposure levels found have a significant potential for generating adverse effects on human health in the studied scenarios.

Long-term exposure to diesel engine exhaust induces primary DNA damage: a population-based study

ObjectivesDiesel engine exhaust (DEE) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and is carcinogenic to humans. To seek early and sensitive biomarkers for prediction of adverse health effects, we analysed the components...

Assessment of vascular function in Mexican women exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from wood smoke

The use of solid fuels for cooking and heating is likely to be the largest source of indoor air pollution on a global scale; these fuels emit substantial amounts of toxic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when used in simple cooking stoves (such as open “three-stone” fires). Moreover, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels is considered an important risk factor for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exposure to PAHs from wood smoke and vascular dysfunction; in a group of Mexican women that use biomass combustion as their main energy source inside their homes. We used 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as an exposure biomarker to PAHs and it was assessed using high performance liquid chromatography. The endothelium-dependent vasodilation was assessed through a vascular reactivity compression test performed with a pneumatic cuff under visualization of the brachial artery using high resolution ultrasonography (HRU). Assessment of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was used as an atherosclerosis biomarker (also assessed using HRU); and clinical parameters such as anthropometry, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, among others were also evaluated. The mean concentration of urinary 1-OHP found in exposed women was 0.46±0.32μmol/mol Cr (range: 0.086–1.23μmol/mol Cr). Moreover, vascular dysfunction (diminished endothelium dependent vasodilation) was found in 45% of the women participating in the study. Association between vascular function and 1-OHP levels was found to be significant through a logistic regression analysis (p=0.034; r2=0.1329). Furthermore, no association between CIMT and clinical parameters, urinary 1-OHP levels or vascular dysfunction was found. Therefore, with the information obtained in this study, we advocate for the need to implement programs to reduce the risk of exposure to PAHs in communities that use biomass fuels as a main energy source.

DNA damage in Mexican children living in high-risk contaminated scenarios

The aim of this study was to evaluate the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage (as a biomarker of biological effects) in children living in areas at high risk of contamination in Mexico using the comet assay. The alkaline comet assay was performed in order to assess DNA damage levels in blood cells of 276 children living in eleven communities in four states of Mexico. Moreover, levels of arsenic and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in urine and lead and total DDT [sum of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) and 1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT)] in blood were quantified. We found urinary 1-OHP levels between <LOD and 14.5μmol/mol creatinine; for arsenic, the urinary levels were 3.5–180μg/g creatinine (range). Lead levels in blood ranged from 0.5 to 24μg/dL and finally, the levels of total DDT (DDE and DDT) ranged from <LOD to 32,000ng/g lipid. Regarding DNA damage (comet assay), the most important finding in our study was that children exposed to a chemical mixture [high levels of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and DDT were found] had the significant highest DNA damage level (p<0.05) in their blood cells (olive tail moment=7.5±3.5), when compared with DNA damage levels in children living in the other scenarios assessed in this work. Finally, significant correlations were observed between urinary arsenic levels (r=0.32, p<0.05); urinary 1-OHP levels (r=0.65, p<0.01); total DDT in blood levels (r=0.59, p<0.01) and DNA damage. In conclusion, the data indicates that children living in areas which are at high risk of contamination showed high levels of biomarkers of exposure in urine or blood. Moreover, the exposure levels contribute to DNA damage and suggest an increased health risk in studied sites at risk of great pollution.

Development of a method to detect three monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human urine by liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry.

A liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBaP), and 3-hydroxybenz[a]anthracene (3-OHBaA) in human urine has been developed. With the exception of 3-OHBaP at a low spiking level, the average recoveries were greater than 80%. The method has good accuracy (72.1–107.7%) and reproducibility (1.8–11.4%) and was successfully used to study the uptake of pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene from cigarette smoke. The results indicated that urinary 1-OHP concentration in the smoking group (66.58 ± 70.91 ng/g creatinine) was higher than that observed in the nonsmoking group (58.16 ± 49.48 ng/g creatinine). Urinary 3-OHBaA concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers with 8 mg and 10 mg tar cigarettes were 10.98 ± 4.39 ng/g creatinine, 11.01 ± 13.30 ng/g creatinine, and 9.17 ± 12.89 ng/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary 3-OHBaP concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers with 8 mg and 13 mg tar cigarettes were 1.30 ± 0.20 ng/g creatinine, 2.83 ± 1.78 ng/g creatinine, and 6.00 ± 4.44 ng/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP levels exhibited a significant correlation with BaP yield in cigarette smoke under the Canadian intense smoking condition (y = 3.5563x + 30.171, R 2 = 0.9916, n = 227).

Urinary DNA lesions as a biomarker for assessing male reproductive health

The study aimed to examine whether urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) could serve as a biomarker for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Urine and semen samples were collected from 124 coke-oven workers, who had chronically been exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), from a steel plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The coke-oven workers were divided into two subgroups: topside-oven workers and side-oven workers. Sperm DNA integrity was assessed in terms of DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo). Urine samples were used to detect 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and urinary 8-OHdG, which served to assess exposure to PAHs and the whole body oxidative stress, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP concentrations were significantly higher in the topside-oven workers than the side-oven workers ( p = 0.02). Sperm 8-oxodGuo concentrations were correlated with percentages of sperm fragmentation ( p = 0.044), but urinary 8-OHdG levels failed to correlate with sperm 8-oxodGuo levels and with percentages of fragmentation. In conclusion, exposure to PAHs was linked to increased oxidative stress on sperm. However, urinary 8-OHdG may not be a suitable biomarker for examining sperm DNA damage associated with oxidative stress.

The influence of season and living environment on children's urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

BackgroundHeating indoor living environments elevates air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the influence of season and living environment on children's urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. MethodsOur study subjects were 320 children aged 11–15 years living in gers, brick houses and apartments, in ger and non-ger areas of Ulaanbaatar. Spot urine samples and questionnaires were collected three times from each subject in three seasons, September (warm) and December (cold) in 2011 and March (moderate) in 2012. Urinary 1-OHP was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection (HPLC/FLD). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were applied to estimate the seasonal and residential effects on 1-OHP levels, adjusting for demographic and environmental factors. ResultsChildren's urinary 1-OHP levels showed significant seasonal differences with 0.30±0.57μmol/mol creatinine in cold season, 0.14±0.12μmol/mol creatinine in moderate season, and 0.14±0.21μmol/mol creatinine in warm season. After controlling confounding factors, the GEE model showed that season, living area, and housing type had significant influence on children's urinary 1-OHP levels. Urinary 1-OHP levels in the cold and moderate seasons were, respectively 2.13 and 1.37 times higher than the warm season. Urinary 1-OHP levels for children living in ger areas were 1.27 times higher than those living in non-ger areas. Children who lived in gers or brick houses had 1.58 and 1.34 times higher 1-OHP levels, respectively, compared with those living in apartments. Children's urinary 1-OHP levels were associated with either estimated NO2 or SO2 concentrations at their home addresses in Ulaanbaatar. ConclusionMongolian children's urinary 1-OHP levels were significantly elevated during the cold season, and for those living in ger areas, gers, or brick houses in Ulaanbaatar. Children's urinary 1-OHP levels were associated PAH co-pollutants SO2 and NO2, suggesting elevated 1-OHP levels may be attributable to PAH emissions from coal burning and traffic respectively, with indoor emissions from stoves further contributing to elevated 1-OHP in some children.