Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Metabolites Research Articles

Comparison of Urinary PAHs among Firefighters and Asphalt Pavers

Objective: The purpose of the investigation is to examine urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure among firefighters and asphalt workers. Methods: Average concentrations of urinary PAHs were used for comparative analysis between groups of firefighters and asphalt pavers. Microsoft Excel was used to perform calculations and the t-test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: When compared to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard for smokers and non-smokers, firefighters demonstrated various statistically significant differences in urinary PAH concentrations. Asphalt workers had statistically significant higher urinary concentrations in three PAHs as compared to the NIST smoker mean. Conclusions: Firefighters did not demonstrate a substantial change in urinary PAH metabolite levels when compared to controls. Asphalt pavers experienced concentrations that were in some cases increased by orders of magnitude compared to controls.

Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites and Human Semen Quality in China

Toxicological studies have demonstrated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure impairs male reproductive health. However, the epidemiological evidence is limited and discordant. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between PAH exposures and human semen quality. We analyzed 12 urinary metabolites of PAHs from 933 men who sought semen quality analysis in an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Associations with semen quality were assessed using a multivariable linear regression. Restricted cubic splines were used to explore the dose-response relationships between urinary metabolites of PAHs and semen quality. We observed inverse associations between urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-OHNa) and sperm count, sperm concentration, and percentage of normal morphology (all p for trends <0.05) as well as between urinary ∑OHNa (sum of 1-OHNa and 2-OHNa) and sperm concentration (p for trend =0.04). Additionally, we found inverse associations between urinary 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPh) and semen volume and sperm straight-line velocity (both p for trends <0.05) as well as between urinary ∑OHPh (sum of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 9-OHPh) and sperm count (p for trend =0.04). These dose-response relationships were further confirmed in the curves of the restricted cubic splines. Our data suggest that exposure to naphthalene and phenanthrene is related to decreased semen quality. Our results contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the widespread exposure to PAHs and the detriment to male reproductive function.

Relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite and cell cycle of lymphocyte in coke oven workers

Objective: To investigate the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite and cell cycle of lymphocyte in coke oven workers. Methods: 437 coke oven workers and 163 work-ers in water treatment department were recruited in this study. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle of lymphocyte. For the measurement of urinary metabolites, urine samples were treated with β-glucuronidase and analyzed using HPLC with a fluorescence detector. Results: The concentrations of urinary 2-naphthol, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 9-phenanthrol and 1-hydroxypyrene l in coke oven workers were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01) . The distributions of cell cycle were analyzed in high exposure group (the content of urinary metabolites high than P75) and low exposure group (the content of urinary metabolites low than P25) . According to the content of 1-hydroxypyrene, the proportions of S phase in high exposure group were significant-ly higher than those of low exposure group (Z=-2.496, P=0.013) , but the proportions of G0/G1 phase were sig-nificantly lower than low exposure group (Z=-2.074, P=0.038) . The similar results were not been found in other hydroxylated metabolites as internal exposure group. Conclusion: Increasing levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene might resulting in cell cycle of lymphocyte disorders, mainly for G0/G1 phase shorten and S phase arrest.

Quantification of urinary mono-hydroxylated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by on-line solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be assessed through monitoring of urinary mono-hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs). Gas chromatography (GC) has been widely used to separate OH-PAHs before quantification by mass spectrometry in biomonitoring studies. However, because GC requires derivatization, it can be time consuming. We developed an on-line solid phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (on-line-SPE-HPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantification in urine of 1-OH-naphthalene, 2-OH-naphthalene, 2-OH-fluorene, 3-OH-fluorene, 1-OH-phenanthrene, the sum of 2-OH and 3-OH-phenanthrene, 4-OH-phenanthrene, and 1-OH-pyrene. The method, which employed a 96-well plate platform and on-line SPE, showed good sensitivity (i.e., limits of detection ranged from 0.007 to 0.09ng/mL) and used only 100μL of urine. Accuracy, calculated from the recovery percentage at three spiking levels, varied from 94 to 113%, depending on the analyte. The inter- and intra-day precision, calculated from 20 repeated measurements of two quality control materials, varied from 5.2 to 16.7%. Adequate method performance was also confirmed by acceptable recovery (83-102%) of two NIST standard reference materials (3672 and 3673). This high-throughput on-line-SPE-HPLC-MS/MS method can be applied in large-scale epidemiological studies. Graphical abstract Example LC-MS chromatogram of urinary mono-hydroxylated PAH metabolites.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure decreased sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number: A cross-sectional study (MARHCS) in Chongqing, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants that have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. Many studies have confirmed that PAHs preferentially accumulate in mitochondria DNA relative to nuclear DNA and disrupt mitochondrial functions. However, it is rare whether exposure to PAHs is associated with mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in sperm. To evaluate the effects of PAHs on sperm mitochondria, we measured mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and mtDNA integrity in 666 individuals from the Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College Students (MARHCS) study. PAHs exposure was estimated by measuring eight urinary PAH metabolites (1-OHNap, 2-OHNap, 1-OHPhe, 2-OHPhe, 3-OHPhe, 4-OHPhe, 2-OHFlu and 1-OHPyr). The subjects were divided into low, median and high exposure groups using the tertile levels of urinary PAH metabolites. In univariate analyses, the results showed that increased levels of 2-OHPhe, 3-OHPhe, ∑Phe metabolites and 2-OHFlu were found to be associated with decreased sperm mtDNAcn. After adjusting for potential confounders, significantly negative associations of these metabolites remained (p = 0.039, 0.012, 0.01, 0.035, respectively). Each 1 μg/g creatinine increase in 2-OHPhe, 3-OHPhe, ∑Phe metabolites and 2-OHFlu was associated with a decrease in sperm mtDNAcn of 9.427%, 11.488%, 9.635% and 11.692%, respectively. There were no significant associations between urinary PAH metabolites and sperm MMP or mtDNA integrity. The results indicated that the low exposure levels of PAHs can cause abnormities in sperm mitochondria.

Biomonitoring Human Exposure to Household Air Pollution and Association with Self-reported Health Symptoms – A Stove Intervention Study in Peru

BackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) from indoor biomass stoves contains harmful pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and is a leading risk factor for global disease burden. We used biomonitoring to assess HAP exposure and association with self-reported symptoms in 334 non-smoking Peruvian women to evaluate the efficacy of a stove intervention program. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study within the framework of a community randomized control trial. Using urinary PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs) as the exposure biomarkers, we investigated whether the intervention group (n=155, with new chimney-equipped stoves) were less exposed to HAP compared to the control group (n=179, with mostly open-fire stoves). We also estimated associations between the exposure biomarkers, risk factors, and self-reported health symptoms, such as recent eye conditions, respiratory conditions, and headache. ResultsWe observed reduced headache and ocular symptoms in the intervention group than the control group. Urinary 2-naphthol, a suggested biomarker for inhalation PAH exposure, was significantly lower in the intervention group (GM with 95% CI: 13.4 [12.3, 14.6] μg/g creatinine) compared to control group (16.5 [15.0, 18.0] μg/g creatinine). Stove type and/or 2-naphthol was associated with a number of self-reported symptoms, such as red eye (adjusted OR with 95% CI: 3.80 [1.32, 10.9]) in the past 48h. ConclusionsEven with the improved stoves, the biomarker concentrations in this study far exceeded those of the general populations and were higher than a no-observed-genotoxic-effect-level, indicating high exposure and a potential for increased cancer risk in the population.

Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: simultaneous determination of metabolites in human biomonitoring studies

Introduction: exposure assessment of residents in industrial areas is a crucial issue in environmental epidemiology . We propose a novel analytical method for simultaneous quantification of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites (OH-PHAs), to assess exposure to urban pollution, diesel exhaust and biomass burning and to verify the contribution of smoking to the selected biomarkers . Method: 1-hydroxypyrene, 1-and 2-hydroxynapthalene, 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, 6-hydroxynitropyrene were measured in the urine samples of 614 healthy residents in an industrial area of Central Italy, aged 35-69 years, non-occupationally exposed to PAHs. Samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, to SPE, and further analyzed on ESI-HPLC-MS/MS in the negative ion MRM mode, using isotope labelled internal standards. Smoking status was assessed by measuring urinary nicotine metabolite (cotinine) levels. We studied the association between each OH-PAH log-transformed value and cotinine levels (&lt;100 µg/l, ≥100 µg/l) by using regression analysis (Geometric Mean Ratios (GMR) and p-value). Results: method accuracy was never less than 90%, variability never higher than 19%, and limits of detection were low enough to detect the five proposed biomarkers in the general population. 6-OHNP was present in the 65% of the subjects and 3-OHBaP in the 70% and the concentrations of these metabolites were not affected by smoking: we found no association between their log-transformed values and cotinine levels (GMR=1.33 (p=0.137) for 6-OHNP; GMR=1.05 (p=0.825) for 3-OHBaP). Conclusion: The novel HPLC-MS/MS method made it possible to simultaneously quantitate a metabolite of nitropyrene, a diesel exhaust pollution marker, and a metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene, a IARC class 1 carcinogenic substance, other than more known and usually determined metabolites; the fact that 6-OHNP and 3-OHBaP are not affected by smoking makes these biomarkers suitable for studying exposure to environmental pollution.

Shorter sperm telomere length in association with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Results from the MARHCS cohort study in Chongqing, China and in vivo animal experiments

It has been well demonstrated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can cause reproductive toxicity, and shorter telomere length in sperm may be one of the factors causing male infertility. However, whether exposure to PAHs is associated with sperm telomere length (STL) has never been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the potential association between PAHs exposure and STL, and to explore potential biomarkers that may predict the effects of low-level exposure to PAHs on human sperm. Questionnaires and biological samples were collected from 666 volunteers participating in the Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College Students (MARHCS) cohort study in 2014. Semen parameters were measured for 656 participants, while urinary PAH metabolites, STL and sperm apoptosis were successfully measured for 492, 444 and 628 participants, respectively. The linear regression analysis revealed that increased levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) and 1-hydroxynapthalene (1-OHNap) were associated with decreased STL (−0.385; 95% CI, −0.749, −0.021 for 1-OHPyr; and −0.079; 95% CI, −0.146, −0.011 for 1-OHNap). The significant negative associations remained after adjusting for potential confounders. However, no significant associations were observed between urinary PAH metabolites and semen quality or sperm apoptosis. We also administrated rats with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P; 0, 1, 5, and 10mg/kg) for 4weeks and found shorter STL and decreased telomerase expression in germ cells in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, environmental exposure to some PAHs may be associated with decreased human STL, and the in vivo animal results also demonstrate the adverse effects of B[a]P on telomere of male germ cells.

Excretion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (OH-PAHs) in cattle urine in Ghana

Previous studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter, soils and livers of wild rats indicated that the city centre of Kumasi, Ghana has been severely polluted with high cancer potency. Cattle urine were therefore collected from Kumasi (urban) and Offinso (rural), Ghana: to determine concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs); and find their association with sex; and to estimate exposure of cattle to PAHs from the different sites. From the results, geometric mean concentrations (adjusted by specific gravity), GMSG, showed that 2-OHNaphthalene (2-OHNap) was the most abundant OH-PAH in cattle urine from all study sites, and naphthalene-containing-mothballs might have contributed significantly to the levels. There was no significant difference between urinary OH-PAHs concentrations in cattle from urban and rural sites except for 2-OHPhe and 4-OHPhe, and similar to urban areas, rural sites could also be polluted with PAHs. GMSG of 2-OHNap in cattle urine in Kokote (21.9 ± 6.51 ng/mL; a rural area), was significantly higher compared to the other sites followed by Oforikrom (4.15 ± 4.37 ng/mL; urban). The GMSG concentration (ng/mL) of the sum of OH-PAHs decreased in the order, Kokote (44.7) > Oforikrom (7.87) > Saboa (6.98) > Santasi (6.68) > and Twumasen Estate (5.23). The high concentrations of urinary 2-OHNap, 2-3-OHFlu, 2-OHPhe, 3-OHPhe and 4-OHPhe in Kokote indicated high PAHs exposure to cattle in this area or different/specific source of PAHs exposure. GMSG of 2-OHNap was significantly higher in male cattle compared to females while 1-9-OHPhe was significantly higher in females.

Long-term exposure to diesel engine exhaust induced lung function decline in a cross sectional study.

To clarify the effects of lung function following exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE), we recruited 137 diesel engine testing workers exposed to DEE and 127 non-DEE-exposed workers as study subjects. We performed lung function tests and measured cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome index and levels of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolites. There was a significant decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC), maximal mid expiratory flow curve (MMF), forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50%), and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75%) in the DEE-exposed workers than non-DEE-exposed workers (all p<0.05). Among all study subjects, the decreases of FEF75% were associated with the increasing levels of PAHs metabolites (p<0.05), and there were negative correlations between FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MMF, FEF50%, and FEF75% with CBMN cytome index (all p<0.05). Our results show that long-term exposure to DEE can induce lung function decline which shows mainly obstructive changes and influence of small airways function. The decreased lung function is associated with internal dosage of DEE exposure, and accompany with the increasing CBMN cytome index.

Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites and Altered Lung Function in Wuhan, China.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with adverse effects on the respiratory system. However, the association between internal levels of PAH metabolites and lung function levels remains unclear. We investigated the relationships between urinary PAH metabolite concentrations and lung function levels in a general Chinese population. Lung function and 12 urinary PAH metabolites were measured in 2,747 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort in China. Associations between urinary PAH metabolites and lung function were analyzed by linear mixed models. We also investigated associations among urinary PAH metabolite concentrations, traffic exposure time, and dietary PAH exposure. We found significant associations between increased levels of urinary PAH metabolites and reduced lung function. Each 1-U increase in log-transformed levels of 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 9-hydroxyfluorene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, or total urinary PAH metabolites was associated with a 23.79-, 19.36-, 41.76-, 36.87-, 33.47-, 27.37-, 39.53-, 34.35-, 25.03-, or 37.13-ml reduction in FEV1, respectively (all P < 0.05). Each 1-U increase in 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, or total urinary PAH metabolites was associated with a 24.39-, 33.90-, 27.15-, 28.56-, 27.46-, or 27.99-ml reduction in FVC, respectively (all P < 0.05). The total urinary PAH metabolites concentration was positively associated with both traffic exposure time and dietary PAH exposure among nonsmokers. Total and specific urinary PAH metabolites were associated with lung function reduction in a general Chinese population. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential mechanism by which PAHs induces lung function reduction.

MP36-17 URINARY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: EXPOSING A NOVEL CULPRIT IN PROSTATITIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Prostate & Genitalia II1 Apr 2016MP36-17 URINARY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: EXPOSING A NOVEL CULPRIT IN PROSTATITIS Golnaz Naderkhani, Norman Smith, and Dariush Mirsattari Golnaz NaderkhaniGolnaz Naderkhani More articles by this author , Norman SmithNorman Smith More articles by this author , and Dariush MirsattariDariush Mirsattari More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.1651AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of natural and anthropogenic environmental contaminants. In addition to being potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic, PAHs are associated with several adverse health effects commonly linked to the cascade of events which play a role in the multifactorial pathogenesis of prostatitis. Several studies have now documented links between PAHs and chronic/acute inflammation, endocrine and reproductive disturbances, depression, increased prevalence of unmet emotional needs and genotoxicity of common genitourinary pathogens such as Escherichia coli. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between PAHs and self-reported history of prostatitis in a national and population-based setting. METHODS Data was retrieved from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2002-2010 including demographics, lifestyle factors, self-reported health conditions including history of prostatitis and urinary chemical concentrations for PAHs, heavy metals, arsenic, pesticides, nicotine metabolites, phthalate, phenol and paraben. RESULTS Among 7947 American adults that answered the health questionnaire on prostatitis, 110 where classified as having a symptomatic positive self-reported history of prostatitis. The total number of urinary PAH metabolites and sum molecular mass of PAHs was significantly higher in symptomatic men with prostatitis. In particular, urinary 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (P <0.001), 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (P =0.0026), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (P =0.0016), and 2-hydroxynaphthalene (P =0.0077) were significantly associated with this group. Partial least square analysis discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to cluster observations with similar urinary metabolic profiles. Only PAHs resulted in complete discrimination between positive and negative history of self-reported prostatitis. Urinary heavy metals, arsenic, nicotine metabolites, phthalate, phenol and paraben were not associated with prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS PAHs are associated with self-reported history of prostatitis, independent of other health events and exposures. Although causality cannot be established, this study warrants further investigations to assess potential preventative measures in this highly prevalent and poorly understood and managed urological condition. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e495-e496 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Golnaz Naderkhani More articles by this author Norman Smith More articles by this author Dariush Mirsattari More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Heat and PAHs Emissions in Indoor Kitchen Air and Its Impact on Kidney Dysfunctions among Kitchen Workers in Lucknow, North India.

Indoor air quality and heat exposure have become an important occupational health and safety concern in several workplaces including kitchens of hotels. This study investigated the heat, particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions in indoor air of commercial kitchen and its association with kidney dysfunctions among kitchen workers. A cross sectional study was conducted on 94 kitchen workers employed at commercial kitchen in Lucknow city, North India. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect the personal and occupational history of the kitchen workers. The urine analysis for specific gravity and microalbuminuria was conducted among the study subjects. Indoor air temperature, humidity, wet/ dry bulb temperature and humidex heat stress was monitored during cooking activities at the kitchen. Particulate matter (PM) for 1 and 2.5 microns were monitored in kitchen during working hours using Hazdust. PAHS in indoor air was analysed using UHPLC. Urinary hydroxy-PAHs in kitchen workers were measured using GC/MS-MS. Higher indoor air temperature, relative humidity, PM1 and PM2.5 (p<0.001) was observed in the kitchen due to cooking process. Indoor air PAHs identified are Napthalene, fluorine, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene and indeno [1,2,3-cd) pyrene. Concentrations of all PAHs identified in kitchen were above the permissible OSHA norms for indoor air. Specific gravity of urine was significantly higher among the kitchen workers (p<0.001) as compared to the control group. Also, the prevalence of microalbuminuria was higher (p<0.001) among kitchen workers. Urinary PAH metabolites detected among kitchen workers were 1-NAP, 9-HF, 3-HF, 9-PHN and 1-OHP. Continuous heat exposure in kitchens due to cooking can alter kidney functions viz., high specific gravity of urine in kitchen workers. Exposure to PM, VOCs and PAHs in indoor air and presence of urinary PAHs metabolites may lead to inflammation, which can cause microalbuminuria in kitchen workers, as observed in the present study.

Association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and thyroid function among males and females: data from NHANES 2007–2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid function and exposure to selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) among those aged ≥ 20 years. Thyroid variables considered for evaluation were thyroid-stimulating hormone, free and total serum thyroxine (FT4, TT4), free and total triiodothyronine (FT3, TT3), and thyroglobulin. PAH metabolites in urine for which data were analyzed were 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Using data from 2007 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, regression models with logs of thyroid variables as dependent variables and PAH exposure, age, race/ethnicity, iodine sufficiency, smoking status, and others as independent variables were fitted. For females, increased levels of 2-hydroxynapthalene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene were associated with elevated levels of TT3. For males, increased levels of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 9-hydroxypyrene were associated with decreased levels of FT4.

Essential Metals Zinc, Selenium, and Strontium Protect against Chromosome Damage Caused by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure.

Essential metals play important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis, but the effects of their interaction with the environmental pollutants are still not very well-known in human subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of essential metals and their interactions with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on chromosome damage, an early carcinogenic event. A total of 1245 male workers were included in this study and the levels of 11 urinary essential metals, 12 urinary PAH metabolites, plasma concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydotetrol-albumin (BPDE-Alb) adducts, and lymphocyte micronucleus (MN) frequencies were monitored. We found that zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and strontium (Sr) have significant inverse dose-response relationships with MN frequencies (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the protective roles of Zn, Se, and Sr were mainly shown among subjects with high levels of BPDE-Alb adducts. Significant effect modification of BPDE-Alb adducts on the associations of Zn, Se, and Sr with MN frequencies was observed (all Pinteraction < 0.05). Our study showed evidence that Zn, Se, and Sr play protective roles in reducing chromosome damage, and these effects can be modified by PAH exposure levels. These findings add potential evidence for the preventive effects of Zn, Se, and Sr against carcinogenesis in human subjects.

Impact of Pregnancy on the Levels of Selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Objective: To compare the levels of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) between pregnant and non-pregnant females. Design: Cross-sectional for pregnant and non-pregnant females who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2001-2010 were examined. Data for 10 urinary metabolites of PAH, namely, 1-hydroxynaphtahlene, 2-hydroxynaphtahlene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1- hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene and 1- hydroxypyrene were analyzed. Setting: Cross-sectional data for pregnant and non-pregnant females from NHANES for the year 2001-2010. Subjects: The study sample included 334 pregnant and 1679 non-pregnant females aged 20-44 years who participated in NHANES for the period 2001-2010. Results: Pregnant females had statistically significantly lower levels of 2-hydroxyfluorene (394.4 vs. 457.1 ng/L, p=0.03), 3-hydroxyfluorene (139.1 vs. 207.9 ng/L, p<0.01), and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (87.9 vs. 109.6 ng/L, p<0.01) than non-pregnant females but statistically significantly higher levels of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (185.3 vs. 133.8 ng/L, p<0.01), 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (47.3 vs. 37.9 ng/L, p<0.01) and 1-hydroxypyrene (155.2 vs. 126.7 ng/L, p=0.04). Smokers had statistically significantly higher levels for every PAH metabolite than non-smokers (p<0.01), for example, for 1-hydroxynaphthalene, adjusted levels for smokers and nonsmokers were 9329.0 vs. 3277.5 ng/L (p<0.01) and for 2-hydroxynaphthalene, adjusted levels for smokers and nonsmokers were 7551.8 vs. 1231.2 ng/L (p<0.01). Observed levels of all 10 PAH metabolites increased (p<0.01) over 2001-2010 for both pregnant and non-pregnant females. Conclusion: Depending up on the individual PAHs, pregnancy may accelerate or decelerate excretion of PAH metabolites.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons-Associated MicroRNAs and Heart Rate Variability in Coke Oven Workers.

We aimed to evaluate the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and heart rate variability indices in coke oven workers. We recruited 365 male coke oven workers and measured urinary PAH metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Five heart rate variability indices were measured using three-channel Holter monitor. Six miRNAs were detected by TaqMan miRNA assays (Life Technologies, Foster City, CA). miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-142-5p, and miR-320b were negatively associated with the root mean of square of successive differences between adjacent normal NN intervals (RMSSD) (P(trend) = 0.006, 0.047, 0.019, 0.011, respectively). miR-142-5p and miR-320b were also negatively associated with standard deviation of all normal to normal NN intervals (SDNN) (P(trend) = 0.01 and 0.035). miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-320b were significantly interacted with multiple PAH metabolites and influenced heart rate variability indices, whereas miR-24-3p also significantly interacted with smoking to influence low frequency (P(interaction) < 0.05 for all). Plasma miRNAs might act as potential biomarkers for the adverse effect of PAH exposure on the cardiovascular system.

Association of urinary metals levels with type 2 diabetes risk in coke oven workers

BackgroundStudies indicated that occupationally exposed to metals could result in oxidative damage and inflammation and increase cardiovascular diseases risk. However, epidemiological studies about the associations of metals exposure with diabetes risk among coke oven workers were limited. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the potential associations of 23 metals levels with the risk of diabetes among coke oven workers. MethodsThe analysis was conducted in a cross-sectional study including 1493 participants. Urinary metals and urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolites levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of urinary metal levels with diabetes risk with adjustment for potential confounding factors including gender, age, BMI, education, smoking, drinking, physical activity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and urinary PAHs metabolites levels. ResultsCompared with the normoglycemia group, the levels of urinary copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, and cadmium were significantly higher in the diabetes group (all p < 0.05). Participants with the highest tertile of urinary copper and zinc had 2.12 (95%CI: 1.12–4.01) and 5.43 (95%CI: 2.61–11.30) fold risk of diabetes. Similar results were found for hyperglycemia risk. Besides, participants with the highest tertile of manganese, barium, and lead had 1.65(1.22–2.23), 1.60(1.19–2.16) and 1.45(1.05–1.99) fold risk of hyperglycemia when compared with the lowest tertlie. ConclusionThe results indicated that the urinary copper and zinc levels were positively associated with the risk of diabetes and hyperglycemia among coke oven workers. Urinary manganese, barium and lead levels were also associated with increased risk of hyperglycemia independently of other traditional risk factors. These findings need further validation in prospective study with larger sample size.

Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and measures of oxidative stress, inflammation and renal function in adolescents: NHANES 2003–2008

ObjectiveRecent evidence has suggested that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may contribute to cardiometabolic and kidney dysfunction by increasing oxidative stress, but little is known about impacts in childhood. Study designWe performed cross-sectional analyses of 660 adolescents aged 12–19 years in the 2003–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using levels of 10 monohydroxylated urinary PAH metabolites as our exposure. Our primary outcomes of interest were biomarkers of oxidative stress and renal function, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), insulin resistance, and serum uric acid, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and C-reactive protein (CRP). ResultsWe observed statistically significant associations between PAH metabolites and levels of serum GGT, CRP, uric acid and eGFR. Each 100% increase in 2-hydroxyphenanthrene was related to a 3.36% increase in uric acid (95% CI: 0.338–6.372; p=0.032), a 3.86% increase in GGT (95% CI: 1.361–6.362; p=0.005) and a 16.78% increase in CRP (95% CI: 1.848–31.689; p=0.029). Each 100% increase in 4-hydroxyphenanthrene was associated with a 6.18% increase in GGT (95% CI: 4.064–8.301; p<0.001) and a 13.66% increase in CRP (95% CI: 2.764–24.564; p=0.017). Each 100% increase in 9-hydroxyfluorene was associated with a 2.58% increase in GGT (95% CI: 0.389–4776; p=0.024). Each 100% increase in 3-hydroxyphenanthrene was associated with a 2.66% decrease in eGFR (95% CI: −4.979 to −0.331; p=0.028). ConclusionsUrinary PAH metabolites were associated with serum uric acid, GGT and CRP, suggesting possible impacts on cardiometabolic and kidney function in adolescents. Prospective work is needed to investigate the potential long-term health consequences of these findings.

Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites as biomarkers of exposure to traffic-emitted pollutants

1-Nitro-pyrene has been considered a compound specific to diesel combustion emission, while 1- and 2-nitro-napthalene are mainly produced through photochemical conversion of naphthalene released to the atmosphere. Metabolites of these compounds may serve as biomarkers of exposure to traffic related pollutants. We collected urine samples from 111 healthy and non-smoking subjects within (i.e., during the Beijing Olympics) and outside (i.e., before and after the Olympics) a traffic control regime to improve Beijing's air quality. Urines were analyzed for the sum of 1&2-amino-naphthalene (metabolites of 1- and 2-nitro-naphthalene) and 1-amino-pyrene (a metabolite of 1-nitro-pyrene), using an HPLC-fluorescence method. Within the same time periods, PM2.5 mass and constituents were measured, including elemental carbon, sulfate, nitrate, PAHs, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particle number concentrations. The associations between the urinary metabolites and air pollutants were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. From the pre- to during-Olympic period, 1&2-amino-naphthalene and 1-hydroxy-pyrene decreased by 23% (p=0.066) and 16% (p=0.049), respectively, while there was no change in 1-amino-pyrene (2% increase, p=0.892). From during- to post-Olympic period, 1&2-amino-naphthalene, 1-amino-pyrene and 1-hydroxy-pyrene concentrations increased by 26% (p=0.441), 37% (p=0.355), and 3% (p=0.868), respectively. Furthermore, 1&2-amino-naphthalene and 1-hydroxy-pyrene were associated with traffic related pollutants in a similar lag pattern. 1-amino-pyrene was associated more strongly with diesel combustion products (e.g. PN and elemental carbon) and not affected by season. Time-lag analyses indicate strongest/largest associations occurred 24–72h following exposure. 1&2-amino-naphthalene and 1-hydroxy-pyrene can be used as a biomarker of exposure to general vehicle-emitted pollutants. More data are needed to confirm 1-amino-pyrene as a biomarker of exposure to diesel combustion emissions. Controlling creatinine as an independent variable in the models will provide a moderate adjusting effect on the biomarker analysis.