Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol concentrations in male Koreans

OBJECTIVE: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) has been used as a biological marker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and urinary 2-naphthol is suggested as a new marker for route-specific exposure to airborne PAHs. We analyzed urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations in 292 male Koreans (129 university students and 163 shipyard workers) to define the distribution pattern in Koreans with no or low occupational exposure to PAHs. METHOD: Histories of cigarette smoking and the eating of PAH-containing foods were obtained by a self-administered structured questionnaire. Urine samples were collected and urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The arithmetic (geometric) means of urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations for all students, expressed as micromoles per mole of creatinine, were 0.04 (0.04) and 3.12 (2.22), for non-smokers 0.03 (0.03) and 1.78 (1.30) and for smokers 0.05 (0.03) and 4.36 (3.62), respectively. Among shipyard workers, the arithmetic (geometric) means of urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations were 0.69 (0.31) and 4.37 (2.62) for all, 0.27 (0.18) and 2.46 (1.16) for nonsmokers, and 0.97 (0.44) and 5.60 (4.44) for smokers, respectively. Mean urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations differed significantly between nonsmokers and smokers both in students and in shipyard workers. In smokers, some variables related to smoking habit were positively correlated with urinary 1-OHP and with 2-naphthol concentrations. The latter showed better correlations with the variables related to smoking amount than the former. None of the food-related factors was significantly correlated with urinary 1-OHP or 2-naphthol concentration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that urinary 2-naphthol concentration is more sensitively affected by smoking status than urinary 1-OHP concentration and that urinary 2-naphthol is a sensitive marker for low-level inhalation of PAHs.     

环境外暴露及GSTT_1、GSTM_1基因型对1-羟基芘作为多环芳烃暴露标志物的影响

目的研究多环芳烃(PAHs)暴露(环境空气暴露和吸烟)、GSTT1、GSTM1基因型对1-羟基芘(1-OHP)作为PAHs暴露标志物的影响。方法选取51名巡警作为研究组,48名内勤警察作为对照组,测定两组人群环境空气中的PAHS浓度以及尿中的1-OHP浓度,采用HPLC方法分析环境空气中PAHs浓度和研究对象尿样中的1-OHP;PCR方法测定GSTT1、GSTM1基因型。结果对照组环境PAHs浓度为12.79ng/m3,研究组为20.85ng/m3。研究组、对照组内部相同吸烟条件下GSTT1、GSTM1不同基因型人群尿中1-OHP浓度没有差别,相同基因型下的非吸烟人群中,对照组尿中1-OHP浓度均小于研究组,吸烟人群中没有发现同样的规律。按吸烟分层后,研究组、对照组内部吸烟者尿中的1-OHP浓度均大于非吸烟者,并且对照组吸烟者尿中1-OHP浓度大于研究组非吸烟者。结论PAHs暴露及吸烟是影响尿中1-OHP浓度的重要因素;在环境空气中PAHs浓度较低的情况下,吸烟对尿中1-OHP浓度的贡献更大。但GSTT1、GSTM1基因型不是影响尿中1-OHP浓度的主要因素。     

Effects of genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes on the relationships between 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in human leukocytes and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol concentrations

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxidative stress, and to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoking and the genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, NAT2 and UGT1A6 on the relationship. The subjects of this study were 105 healthy Korean males without occupational exposure to PAHs. The 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in leukocytes, and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol concentrations, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, NAT2 and UGT1A6 were identified by PCR and PCR-RFLP methods. The 8-OHdG level showed a significant correlation with the 1-OHP concentration in all subjects (p<.001) and in smokers (p<.01), and with the 2-naphthol level in non-smokers (p<.01). The 8-OHdG level was significantly higher in smoking rapid acetylators than in smoking slow or intermediate acetylators, and in individuals with the UGT1A6 wild-type than in those with the UGT1A6 mutant genotype. Significant positive correlations between 8-OHdG and 1-OHP concentrations were found in subjects with every genotype of the CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 genes, with the GSTM1 null-type, with the NAT2 genotype of a rapid acetylator, and with the UGT1A6 wild-type, respectively. The urinary 2-naphthol level significantly correlated with the 8-OHdG level only in subjects with the GSTM1 null-type. In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between the 8-OHdG level in leukocytes and the urinary 1-OHP concentration in the population not occupationally exposed to PAHs. This relationship is affected by genetic polymorphisms in PAH metabolic enzymes.     

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in coke oven workers relative to exposure, alcohol consumption, and metabolic enzymes

OBJECTIVES—To investigate the influence of personal lifestyle—such as smoking and alcohol consumption—on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations in coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to evaluate the association of 1-OHP concentrations with the genetic polymorphism of several metabolic enzymes including cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 1A1 and glutathione S-tranferases (GSTs).
METHODS—The study population contained 162 coke oven workers and 58 controls employed at the largest iron and steel factory in China. Personal data were collected at the interview. 1-OHP in urine was measured with high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Genetic polymorphisms were identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
RESULTS—A positive association between excretion of urinary 1-OHP and the levels of exposure to PAHs was confirmed. Those people who consumed 50 g/day ethanol had significantly higher 1-OHP excretion than did other coke oven workers (p<0.01). No significant difference in urinary 1-OHP was found between smokers and non-smokers, in both controls and exposed subjects. The variant homozygotes at exon 7 of the CYP1A1 gene had significantly higher urinary 1-OHP concentrations than other CYP1A1 genotypes among the exposed workers (p=0.03). There was less association between the concentrations of 1-OHP and the GSTM1, GSTP1, or GSTT1 polymorphism.
CONCLUSIONS—The present study confirmed that urinary 1-OHP is a good biomarker for exposure to PAHs. Alcohol consumption affected urinary 1-OHP excretion. The variant genotypes of the CYP1A1 gene may result in the enhancement of PAH metabolites. It is helpful to understand the role of individual susceptibility on metabolism of carcinogens. These findings suggest that the modulating effect of individual lifestyle factors or genetic nature should be considered in future studies on occupational exposure to PAHs and in evaluating the health risk from harmful chemicals.


Keywords: 1-hydroxypyrene; genetic polymorphism; alcohol drinking     

Decreasing urinary PAH metabolites and 7-methylguanine after smoking cessation

Objective: Humans are exposed to various carcinogens by smoking. Urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), one of the major carcinogens in cigarette smoke, were measured as the environmental carcinogen exposure marker for humans. We evaluated urinary exposure markers for smoking cessation. Method: In this study, we measured cigarette smoke exposure markers, such as urinary cotinine, PAH exposure markers, such as urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 2-naphthol (2-NP) and 1-naphthol (1-NP), as well as a methylating chemical exposure marker, 7-methylguanine (7-MeG). The before smoking cessation levels of these markers, and the after smoking cessation levels were then compared. Eighteen subjects participated in this smoking cessation program. Results: Levels of all of four markers were found to have decreased by 19–54% after smoking cessation. Urinary cotinine, 1-OHP, 2-NP and 7-MeG levels were found to have significantly decreased after smoking cessation. There were positive correlations between cotinine and three urinary PAH markers and between 1-OHP, 2-NP and 7-MeG. Conclusion: PAH metabolites were better biomarkers of smoking cessation than 7-MeG. Analyzing urinary metabolites or urinary DNA adducts is suitable for epidemiological studies.     

Evaluation to the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene and xylenes in workers in a power plant fueled with heavy oil]

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been demonstrated in many industrial sectors. However, up to date there are few studies in the literature on PAH exposure in thermoelectric power plants. The study was aimed at the evaluation of personal exposure to PAHs in workers of a power plant fueled with heavy oil. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) was evaluated on power plant workers exposed to heavy fuel oil; the control group consisted of office workers of the same power plant. Altogether 39 subjects were studied, for a total of 84 days of monitoring. Personal environmental exposure, cutaneous exposure and urinary concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), trans,trans-muconic acid (TTMA) and nicotine were measured. Personal environmental exposure to PAHs was very low; only maintenance workers showed exposure to total carcinogenic PAHs significantly higher than controls (median levels 3.05 and 0.88 ng/m3 respectively). All workers showed very low levels of dermal exposure to PAHs (less than 1 ng). The median 1-OHP urinary concentrations were 0.16, 0.11 and 0.08 mumol/mol creatinine in the groups of exposed workers and 0.08 mumol/mol creatinine in the control group. Neither the exposed workers nor the controls showed a significant increase in 1-OHP urinary concentrations across the shift. The regression analysis showed a significant effect of cigarette smoking on urinary 1-OHP, while no association was observed between occupational exposure and diet. Personal environmental exposure levels to BTX were very low. TTMA urinary concentrations of the exposed subjects were similar to those of the controls. No significant increase in the TTMA urinary concentrations was observed across the shift and, as expected, smokers showed higher values than non-smokers. The study did not show a measurable intake of PAHs and BTX in power plant workers that could be ascribed to occupational exposure, thus confirming the efficacy of the protective measures in force.     

焦炉工人血清谷胱甘肽硫转移酶活力和尿8-羟基脱氧鸟苷水平

目的 探讨血清谷胱甘肽硫转移酶（GST）和尿8-羟基脱氧鸟苷（8-OHdG）作为焦炉工人多环芳烃（PAHs）暴露生物监测标志的可行性.方法 用高效液相色谱-电化学方法和试剂盒分别检测47名男性焦炉工和31名男性对照者尿8-OHdG水平和血清GST活力;尿1-羟基芘（1-OHP）作为PAHs接触的内暴露标志,采用碱水解-高效液相色谱方法分析.结果 焦炉工人尿1-OHP浓度的中位数（P25～P75）为[5.7（1.4～12.0）μmol/mol Cr],血清GST活力为[22.1（14.9～31.2）U/ml],尿8-O-HdG水平为[1.9（1.4～15.4）μmol/mol Cr],均高于对照组工人[3.0（0.5～6.4）μmol/mol Cr、13.1（9.5～16.7）U/ml、1.3（1.0～4.0）μmol/mol Cr],差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）.以吸烟分层,两组工人尿1-OHP浓度和血清GST活力仅在吸烟者中、尿8-OHdG水平仅在非吸烟者中差异有统计学意义（均P＜0.01）.焦炉工人血清GST活力和尿1-OHP浓度呈正相关（rs=0.31,P＜0.01,n=78）.多元Logistic回归分析显示,与对照工人相比,焦炉工人血清GST活力＞16.7 U/ml和尿8-OHdG水平＞1.8 μmol/mol Cr的OR值分别为13.2和4.4;高体重指数是影响尿8-OHdG水平下降的独立因素.结论 焦炉工人血清GST活力增强和氧化性DNA损伤增加,吸烟和职业暴露有交互作用;血清GST有可能作为PAHs暴露评价的生物标志;尿8-OHdG检测有助于焦炉工肺癌危险度评价.     

Sperm DNA damage correlates with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biomarker in coke-oven workers

Objectives: The aim was to determine whether occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in men has adverse effect on semen quality. Methods: Forty-eight coke-oven workers, including 16 topside-oven (TO) workers and 32 sideoven (SO) workers, were studied. Ambient PAHs exposure, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels, and parameters of semen quality were determined. Results: TO workers had significantly higher ambient PAHs exposure (3,436.1±3,411.0 vs. 1,123.1±1,829.3 ng/m³, P<0.01), urinary 1-OHP levels (207.8±176.4 vs. 54.0±44.8 μg/g, P<0.001), frequency of oligospermia (18.8 vs. 0%, P<0.05), and morphological abnormality in sperm (32.3 vs. 14.6%, P<0.01) than SO workers. Among cigarette smokers, TO workers had significantly higher rates of DNA denaturation in spermatozoa (αT) and percentage of sperm with increased DNA denaturation (COMP αT) levels than SO workers (246.2±49.5 vs. 198.1±30.3 for αT; 34.8±14.4 vs. 19.3±13.9% for COMP αT, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between urinary 1-OHP and αT, COMP αT, and abnormal sperm morphology and a tenfold increase in urinary 1-OHP associated with a 2.35-fold increase in αT, as well as a 1.07-fold increase in percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology. Conclusions: A potential risk of sperm dysfunction should be considered for workers occupationally exposed to high levels of PAHs. Cigarette smoking may aggravate this risk. Urinary 1-OHP can be used as a biomarker predicting sperm dysfunction.     

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in Chinese coke oven workers relative to job category, respirator usage, and cigarette smoking

BACKGROUND: 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) is a biomarker of recent exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We investigated whether urinary 1-OHP concentrations in Chinese coke oven workers (COWs) are modulated by job category, respirator usage, and cigarette smoking. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study measured urinary 1-OHP concentrations in 197 COWs from Coking plant I and 250 COWs from Coking plant II, as well as 220 unexposed referents from Control plant I and 56 referents from Control plant II. RESULTS: Urinary 1-OHP concentrations (geometric mean, micromol/mol creatinine) were 5.18 and 4.21 in workers from Coking plants I and II, respectively. The highest 1-OHP levels in urine were found among topside workers including lidmen, tar chasers, and whistlers. Benchmen had higher 1-OHP levels than other workers at the sideoven. Above 75% of the COWs exceeded the recommended occupational exposure limit of 2.3 micromol/mol creatinine. Respirator usage and increased body mass index (BMI) slightly reduced 1-OHP levels in COWs (P < 0.1). Cigarette smoking significantly increased urinary 1-OHP levels in unexposed referents (P < 0.005), but had no effect in COWs (P > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Chinese COWs, especially topside workers and benchmen, are exposed to high levels of PAHs. Urinary 1-OHP concentrations appear to be modulated by respirator usage and BMI in COWs, as well as by smoking in unexposed referents.     

Biological monitoring of environmental exposure to PAHs in the vicinity of a S?derberg aluminium reduction plant.

OBJECTIVES: To assess environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the vicinity of a Söderberg aluminium reduction plant in Shawinigan, Canada with urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as a biomarker. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from 20 non-occupationally exposed subjects living less than 500 m from the plant and from 20 controls living in Trois-Rivières, another industrial town 40 km from Shawinigan. Concentrations of 1-OHP were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Among controls, geometric mean (range) 1-OHP concentrations were 0.046 (0.012-0.116) mumol/mol creatinine in non-smokers and 0.125 (0.051-0.282) mumol/mol creatinine in smokers. Among exposed subjects, values were 0.103 (0.056-0.196) mumol/mol creatinine in non-smokers and 0.250 (0.112-0.448) mumol/mol creatinine in smokers. Excretion of 1-OHP was significantly higher in exposed subjects than in controls among non-smokers and smokers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on urinary 1-OHP as a biomarker, it seems that living near an industrial point source of PAHs is associated with higher exposure. The health significance of this finding will require further investigation.     

炼焦职业暴露工人与对照人群尿中1-羟基芘水平比较

目的比较焦炉工和非职业暴露人群尿中1-羟基芘的不同水平,并探讨可能的各种影响因素.方法 2002年上半年,以某焦化厂265名炼焦作业工人和226名非职业接触对照人群为调查对象,职业接触组收集工作班末尿,对照组收集晨尿.根据环境中多环芳烃监测和调查表评价外暴露因素和可能的混杂因素,采用高效液相色谱法测定尿中1-羟基芘含量,比较两组人群尿中1-羟基芘的不同水平,并分析外暴露等级、吸烟、饮酒、年龄和体重指数的可能影响.结果尿中1-羟基芘浓度呈炉顶工〉炉侧工〉炉底工〉对照的趋势,几何均数依次为13.49、6.56、1.38和0.35 μmol/mol肌酐,差异有统计学意义;各组人群尿中1-羟基芘浓度超标率分别依次为94.81%、84.73%、35.09%和0.88%,差异有统计学意义.对照人群中≥20支/d吸烟组的尿中1-羟基芘水平明显高于不吸烟组,修正几何均数分别为0.47和0.31 μmol/mol肌酐,差异有统计学意义;对照人群中饮酒组的尿中1-羟基芘水平明显低于不饮酒组,修正几何均数分别为0.33和0.47 μmol/mol肌酐,差异有统计学意义.结论焦炉工尿中1-羟基芘水平较高,以炉侧工和炉顶工最为明显,非职业暴露人群尿中1-羟基芘本底水平与吸烟和饮酒因素有关.     

Correlation of Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and 2-Naphthol with Total Suspended Particulates in Ambient Air in Municipal Middle-School Students in Korea

The authors investigated Korean municipal middle school students to ascertain whether urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol–markers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure–reflect PAHs in ambient air. The authors used the β-ray absorption method, which is an index of ambient-air PAH exposure, to collect total suspended participate (TSP) data. The authors measured urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations in 137 nonsmoking students in 4 municipal middle schools within 1 km of ambient air monitoring stations. The median concentrations of urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol in the study were 0.09 nmole/mol creatinine and 2.19 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively, and the geometric means were 0.10 nmole/mol creatinine and 2.47 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP concentration did not correlate significantly with any TSP index. There were significant correlations between urinary 2-naphthol level and the daily mean TSP level calculated for 2 days before survey, for 1 day before survey, and for the day of survey. These data suggest that urinary 2-naphthol may be a good marker for inhalation exposure to PAHs in ambient air.     

Correlation of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol with total suspended particulates in ambient air in municipal middle-school students in Korea

The authors investigated Korean municipal middle school students to ascertain whether urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol-markers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure-reflect PAHs in ambient air. The authors used the beta-ray absorption method, which is an index of ambient-air PAH exposure, to collect total suspended particulate (TSP) data. The authors measured urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol concentrations in 137 nonsmoking students in 4 municipal middle schools within 1 km of ambient air monitoring stations. The median concentrations of urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol in the study were 0.09 nmole/mol creatinine and 2.19 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively, and the geometric means were 0.10 nmole/mol creatinine and 2.47 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP concentration did not correlate significantly with any TSP index. There were significant correlations between urinary 2-naphthol level and the daily mean TSP level calculated for 2 days before survey, for 1 day before survey, and for the day of survey. These data suggest that urinary 2-naphthol may be a good marker for inhalation exposure to PAHs in ambient air.     

Association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (estimated from job category) with concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide in urine from workers at a steel plant.

OBJECTIVES--Increased risk of lung cancer has been associated with employment in the steel industry. This association is thought to be due in part to increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air found in this work environment. Measurement of PAH metabolites in human urine provides a means of assessing individual internal dose of PAHs. This study examined the relative contribution of occupation and smoking to urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) among a group of workers at a steel plant. METHODS--Concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine from 44 workers with jobs associated with increased air concentrations of PAHs and 40 workers with jobs with low or no exposure to PAHs were measured. 20 workers in each group were not current smokers. Urinary 1-OHPG was measured by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy after immunoaffinity chromatography specific for PAH metabolites. RESULTS--Mean (SEM) urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 2.16 (0.42) pmol/ml urine among the 44 occupationally exposed workers compared with 0.38 (0.05) among the 40 workers with no or low exposure (P < 0.0001). Mean urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 1.82 (0.41) pmol/ml urine among the 44 current smokers compared with 0.75 (0.20) among the 40 non-smokers (P < 0.005). Mean 1-OHPG concentrations in non-smokers were 0.26 (n = 20), 0.70 (n = 15), and 2.84 pmol/ml urine (n = 5) for strata of exposure to PAHs (no or low, mid, and high) based on job category; the corresponding values in smokers were 0.55 (n = 20), 0.94 (n = 12), and 4.91 pmol/ml (n = 12), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed significant differences between subjects in different PAH exposure with increased concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine. Amounts of foods containing PAHs ingested by this group of workers were relatively low and did not contribute significantly to urinary 1-OHPG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS--These results indicate that 1-OHPG is a common urinary metabolite in people with recent occupational exposure to PAHs and is associated with both job category and estimated stratum of PAH exposure.     

Effects of the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or toluene on thiobarbituric acid reactive substance level in elementary school children and the elderly in a rural area]

OBJECTIVES: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and toluene have been reported to induce reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the effects of low level exposure to PAHs or toluene on the lipid peroxidation level in elementary school children and the elderly in a rural area. METHODS: Forty seven elementary school children and 40 elderly people who were living in a rural area and not occupationally exposed to PAH or toluene were the subjects of this study. Information about active or passive smoking and diet was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. The urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 2-naphthol, hippuric acid and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were measured, and these values were corrected with the urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS: In school children, the geometric means of the urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol, hippuric acid and TBARS levels were 0.02 micromol/mol creatinine, 0.47 micromol/mol creatinine, 0.14 g/g creatinine and 0.95 micromol/g creatinine, respectively. Those values for the elderly were 0.07 micromol/mol creatinine, 1.87 micromol/mol creatinine, 0.11 g/g creatinine and 1.18 micro mol/g creatinine, respectively. The mean levels of urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and TBARS were significantly higher in the elderly subjects than in the children. The urinary TBARS level was not correlated with the urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and hippuric acid, but they were correlated with the age of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low level inhalation exposure to PAH or toluene does not markedly increase lipid peroxidation, and age is a significant determinant of lipid peroxidation.     

Biological monitoring of environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subjects living in the vicinity of a creosote impregnation plant

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in nonsmoking adult subjects living in the vicinity of a creosote impregnation plant in Delson, Canada. Urinary metabolites of naphthalene, α- and β-naphthol, and pyrene metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), were used as biomarkers of exposure. Methods: Morning and evening urine samples were collected in mid-August from 30 exposed individuals living at a distance of 50–360 m downwind of the plant and from a control group in the adjoining municipality residing at a distance of 1.9–2.7 km upwind of the plant. Metabolites were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: Excretion values of α- and β-naphthol were significantly higher in the exposed group than in controls (P < 0.04), after accounting for possible confounding variables by multivariate analyses. The respective geometric mean concentrations (5th and 95th percentiles) of α-naphthol for the exposed and nonexposed groups were 2.04 (0.55–6.00) and 1.37 (0.39–7.02) μmol/mol creatinine for evening samples, and 2.49 (0.77–8.43) and 1.17 (0.37–6.88) μmol/mol creatinine for morning samples. Corresponding values for β-naphthol were 1.78 (0.82–3.67) and 1.36 (0.63–5.07) μmol/mol creatinine for evening samples, and 1.94 (1.03–4.96) and 1.08 (0.49–5.05) μmol/mol creatinine for morning samples. On the other hand, no significant difference in 1-OHP excretion was observed between the exposed and the control group (P>0.5). The respective geometric mean concentrations (5th and 95th percentiles) of 1-OHP for these groups were 0.05 (0.01–0.17) and 0.06 (0.01–0.48) μmol/mol creatinine for evening samples, and 0.05 (0.02–0.12) and 0.05 (0.01–0.42) μmol/mol creatinine for morning samples. Conclusions: The measurement of α- and β-naphthol urinary concentrations appears to be an approach sufficiently sensitive to reveal differences in low exposure levels of volatile PAHs due to creosote impregnation plant emissions. However, uptake of pyrene due to the plant was too small to contribute significantly to 1-OHP excretion. Received: 13 June 2000 / Accepted: 21 April 2001     

A Study for the Proper Application of Urinary Naphthols, New Biomarkers for Airborne Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Urinary naphthols, 1- and 2-naphthol, recently have been suggested as route-specific biomarkers for exposure to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. For the proper application of urinary naphthols as biomarkers, we studied effects of lifestyle on urinary naphthols levels in 119 Japanese male workers. After improving the detection limit of urinary naphthols up to 0.27 μg/L by high-resolution capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring, urinary naphthols were detectable in approximately 90% of the subjects. Among detectable samples, the geometrical mean (GM) of urinary 1-naphthol concentration was 5.13 μg/L (geometrical standard deviation, GSD, 4.90), while the GM of urinary 2-naphthol concentration was 3.16 μg/L (GSD, 5.61). We observed that urinary 1- and 2-naphthol level were three- and sevenfold higher, respectively, among smokers than among nonsmokers (p < 0.01). The ratios of urinary 2-naphthol to 1-naphthol were significantly higher among smokers than nonsmokers (p < 0.05). The number of cigarettes smoked and urinary cotinine levels were also positively related to the concentration of urinary naphthols (p < 0.01), while other lifestyle factors, i.e., age and consumption of alcohol, greasy or salty food, sweets, fruits, vegetables, meat, or fish, were not. We also studied whether genetic polymorphisms of enzymes, which were involved in naphthalene metabolism, affected urinary naphthols levels. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 exon 7 genetic polymorphism was not related to urinary naphthol levels. Among smokers, the subjects with c1/c2 or c2/c2 type of CYP2E1, which was determined by CYP2E1 RsaI polymorphism in 5′-flaking region, showed higher concentrations of urinary 2-naphthol than the subjects with c1/c1 type regardless of creatinine-correction (p < 0.05) and the subjects with glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 deficient type showed higher concentrations of both urinary 1- and 2-naphthol than those with GSTM1 normal type but only without creatinine-correction (p < 0.05). Thus, when urinary naphthols are used as biomarkers, smoking and the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1 and GSTM1 should be considered. Received: 6 January 1998/Accepted: 10 July 1998     

Exposure of iron foundry workers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo(a)pyrene-albumin adducts and 1-hydroxypyrene as biomarkers for exposure.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in foundry workers has been evaluated by determination of benzo(a)pyrene-serum albumin adducts and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene binding to albumin and 1-hydroxypyrene were quantitatively measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. 70 male foundry workers and 68 matched controls were investigated. High and low exposure groups were defined from breathing zone hygienic samples, consisting of 16 PAH compounds in particulate and gaseous phase. Mean total PAH was 10.40 micrograms/m3 in the breathing zone, and mean dust adsorbed PAH was 0.15 microgram/m. All carcinogenic PAH was adsorbed to dust. Median benzo(a)pyrene-albumin adduct concentrations (10-90% percentiles) were similar in foundry workers (smokers 0.55 (0.27-1.00) and non-smokers 0.58 (0.17-1.15)) pmol/mg albumin and age matched controls (smokers 0.57 (0.16-1.45) and non-smokers 0.70 (0.19-1.55) pmol/mg albumin). Median 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in smoking and non-smoking foundry workers (0.022 (0.006-0.075) and 0.027 (0.006-0.164)) mumol/mol creatinine than in smoking and non-smoking controls (0 (0-0.022) and 0 (0-0.010) mumol/mol creatinine). Dose-response relations between total PAH, pyrene, carcinogenic PAHs, and 1-hydroxypyrene for smokers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed to dust for non-smokers are suggested. Exposure to PAHs adsorbed to dust showed an additive effect. There was no correlation between the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene and benzo(a)pyrene-albumin adducts. The change in 1-hydroxypyrene over a weekend was also studied. Friday morning median 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations were significantly higher in both smokers and non-smokers (0.021 (0-0.075) and 0.027 (0.06-0.164)) mumol/mol creatinine than Monday morning median concentrations (0.007 (0-0.021) and 0.008 (0-0.021) mumol/mol creatinine). Smoking did not affect the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene or benzo(a)pyrene-albumin adducts. These data suggest that 1-hydroxypyrene is a sensitive biomarker for low dose PAH exposure. Exposure to PAHs may be aetiologically related to increased risk of lung cancer in foundry workers.     

某焦化厂职业接触多环芳烃焦炉工肝脏某些酶活性的变化

目的探讨多环芳烃(PAHs)对炼焦作业工人某些肝血清酶活性改变的可能影响。方法对乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)阴性的炼焦作业工人和非PAHs职业接触工人进行总PAHs累积接触指数(CEL-PAHs)评估,尿中1-羟基芘(1-OHP)浓度等级划分,和血清中丙氨酸转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸转移酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转移梅(GGT)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的检测。结果焦炉工职业性PAHs暴露水平明显高于对照组(P<0·05)。与对照组相比,血清ALT的明显升高可见于CEL-PAHs<50μg/(m3·a)组和尿中1-OHP浓度<2·3μmol/mol肌酐CEL-PAHs≥200μg/m3组,血清AST的明显升高可见于CEL-PAHs<50μg/(m3·a)组;当CEL-PAHs(200μg/(m3·a)或尿中1-OHP浓度≥10·0μmol/mol肌酐时,可发现四种肝生化指标实测值的明显升高(P<0·05),以及ALT、AST和GGT异常率的明显升高(P<0·05),以血清GGT水平的升高(10倍CEL-PAHs的上升导致1·24倍血清GGT水平的升高,10倍尿中1-OHP浓度的上升导致1·19倍的升高)和异常率的上升(logistic回归,调整OR值为6·2~7·2,P<0·05)最为明显。结论PAHs职业暴露可导致炼焦作业工人肝脏某些血清酶活性的升高。     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in residents living near a cement factory with kilns

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure in the area around a cement factory with kilns using waste, including refuse plastic fuel.

Methods

Atmospheric total suspended particulates (TSPs) for each of an exposed area and a non-exposed area were collected. Similarly, urine samples were collected from 330 subjects in the exposed area and 126 subjects in the non-exposed area. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was used to analyze PAHs in the collected TSP samples and the PAH metabolites, urinary 2-naphthol (2-NAP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), of the residents. The concentrations of urinary 2-NAP and 1-OHP were adjusted by creatinine concentrations.

Results

The atmospheric concentrations of PAHs, including naphthalene and pyrene, were higher in the exposed area than those in the non-exposed area. The geometric means (GMs) of the urinary 2-NAP concentrations in the exposed and non-exposed groups without work experience were 4.06 and 1.55 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The GMs of the urinary 1-OHP concentrations were 0.26 and 0.14 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of PAH metabolites were significantly higher in the exposed group than those in the non-exposed group (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis with the log-transformed urinary 2-NAP and 1-OHP concentrations and other variables indicated a strong correlation of residence in the exposed area and smoking with an increase in the urinary 2-NAP and 1-OHP concentrations.

Conclusions

In addition to the known risk factors, this study indicated that living near a cement factory with kilns is also a risk factor for PAH exposure.