Elevated Levels of Urinary 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, Lymphocytic Micronuclei, and Serum Glutathione S-Transferase in Workers Exposed to Coke Oven Emissions

2006

Health Effects of Coke Oven Emissions on Workers

Sample size: 78 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Ai-Lin, Lu Wen-Qing, Wang Zeng-Zhen, Chen Wei-Hong, Lu Wen-Hong, Yuan Jing, Nan Pei-Hong, Sun Jian-Ya, Zou Ya-Lin, Zhou Li-Hong, Zhang Chi, Wu Tang-Chun

Primary Institution: Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Hypothesis

Does exposure to coke oven emissions lead to increased oxidative stress and genetic damage in workers?

Conclusion

Coke oven workers showed significantly increased levels of biomarkers indicating oxidative stress and genetic damage compared to control subjects.

Supporting Evidence

The exposed group had significantly higher levels of urinary 1-OHP compared to controls.
8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in coke oven workers than in control subjects.
Micronucleated binucleated cells were more frequent in the exposed group.
Serum GST activity was significantly elevated in coke oven workers.
Smoking status modified the results for some biomarkers.
Multivariate analysis showed COE exposure had the highest odds ratio for increased biomarkers.
Age was associated with increased risk of micronuclei formation.
BMI was associated with decreased levels of 8-OHdG.

Takeaway

Coke oven workers are exposed to harmful chemicals that can damage their DNA and affect their health.

Methodology

The study involved measuring urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, micronucleated binucleated cells, and serum glutathione S-transferase in coke oven workers and control subjects.