Long-term high air pollution exposure induced metabolic adaptations in traffic policemen.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adverse physiological changes induced by long-term exposure to PM2.5. METHODS: Totally 183 traffic policemen and 88 office policemen as the control group, were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of PM2.5 in both the working places of traffic and office policemen were obtained. Detailed personal questionnaires and conventional laboratory tests including hematology, fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, liver, kidney, immunity and tumor-related markers were conducted on all participants of this study. RESULTS: A dose-response relationship between the FBG, HDL-c and CEA values and the PM2.5 exposure duration was observed. Multivariate analysis confirmed that one hour on duty outdoor per day for one year was associated with an increase in FBG of 0.005% (95% CI: 0.0004% to 0.009%), CEA of 0.012% (95% CI: 0.006% to 0.017%), and a decrease in HDL-C of 0.001% (95% CI: 0.00034% to 0.002%). CONCLUSION: Long-term high air pollution exposure may lead to metabolism adaptation and it is likely involved in the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Air Pollution on Serum Oxidative Stress Indices in Traffic Policemen / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To explore the effect of air pollution on oxidative stress indices(SOD,GSH-Px,MDA) in serum of traffic policemen. Methods From Jun to Aug,2007,sixty-two traffic policemen and thirty-five male suburban inhabitants were selected. The ambient concentrations of PM2.5,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) ,nitrogen dioxide,formaldehyde,benzene and toluene were monitored within two consecutive days in the work places of traffic policemen and in the residential areas of suburban inhabitants to assess their air pollution exposure levels. The activity of SOD,GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA in serum were determined with regent kits,while the information on smoking,drinking alcohol,exercising habit and so on was investigated by questionnaire. Results There were significant differences in the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide,formaldehyde,benzene and toluene between the two study groups. The average levels of PM2.5 and PAHs in the traffic policeman group were also higher than those in the control group,but this difference was not significant for small sample size. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the traffic policeman group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the difference of MDA concentration between the two groups was not significant. The relationship between air pollution and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px were also significant after controlling the influence of other factors. Conclusion Air pollution can decrease the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in serum of traffic policemen and induce oxidative stress.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure and DNA Oxidative Damage in Traffic Policemen of Beijing / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To explore polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) exposure of traffic policemen in Beijing and its impact on DNA oxidative damage. Methods From Jun. to Aug. 2007,41 male traffic policemen and 34 male suburban inhabitants in Beijing were selected. The ambient fine particulate matter(PM2.5) was sampled within two consecutive days in the work places of traffic policeman and in the residential area of suburban inhabitants respectively . The levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene(1-OHP) and 10 PAHs species were both analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) . The levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) were detected by ELISA kit,while the questionnaires for health information on smoking,drinking alcohol,exercise habit and so on were also inquired. Results The average levels of PM2.5,benzo[a]pyrene [B(a) P] and total PAHs in the traffic policeman group were 0.096 mg/m3,3.20 ng/m3,and 38.32 ng/m3 respectively,while the corresponding values in the suburban inhabitant group were 0.045 mg/m3,1.54 ng/m3 and 25.43 ng/m3 respectively. The concentration of urinary 1-OHP in the policeman group [(0.50 ?0.38 ) ?mol/mol Cr] was higher than that of the suburban inhabitant group([0.34?0.28) ?mol/mol Cr],P0.05. Multiple factors analysis indicated that urinary 1-OHP and smoking habit had influence on urinary 8-OHdG level,while there was no relationship with other factors(such as drinking alcohol,exercise and cooking habit) . Conclusion Traffic pollution may increase the level of DNA oxidative damage in policemen in Beijing.Traffic and smoking habit-related PAHs exposure is the important influencing factor.

Comparison Study of the Pulmonary Function and Serum Carboxyhemoglobin Level Between the Traffic Policmen and Clerk Policemen / 결핵

BACKGROUND: A large number of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ozone influence on the body. These pollutants put a burden on the lung and the sequelae resulting from the oxidative stress are thought to contribute to the development of fibrotic lung disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Also, carbon monoxide generated from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds is an important component of air pollution caused by traffic exhaust fumes and has the toxic effect of tissue hypoxia and produce various systemic and neurologic complications. The objective of this study is to compare the difference of pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin(CO-Hb) level between the traffic policemen and clerk policemen. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-nine of traffic policemen, and one hundred and thirty clerk policemen were included between 2001 May and 2002 August. The policemen who took part in this study were asked to fill out a questionnaire which included questions on age, smoking, drinking, years of working, work-related symptoms and past medical history. The serum CO-Hb level was measured by using carboxyoximeter. Pulmonary function test was done by using automated spirometer. Additional tests, such as elecrocardiogram, urinalysis, chest radiography, blood chemistry, and CBC, were also done. RESULTS: FEV1(%) was 97.1+/-0.85%, and 105.7+/-1.21%(p<0.05). FVC(%) was 94.6+/-0.67%, and 102.1+/-1.09%, respectively(p<0.05). Serum CO-Hb level was 2.4+/-0.06%, and 1.8+/-0.08%(p<0.05). After correction of confounding factors (age, smoking), significant variables were FVC(%), FEV1(%) and serum CO-Hb level(%)(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Long exposure to air pollution may influence the pulmonary function and serum CO-Hb level. But, further prospective cohort study will be needed to elucidate detailed influences of specific pollutants on pulmonary function and serum carboxyhemoglobin level.

Assessment of Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Traffic Police and Suburban Inhabitants in Beijing / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To assess the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in traffic police and suburban inhabitants in Beijing and to explore the factors that can influence urinary 1-hydroxypyrene(1-OHP) which will be taken as PAHs exposure biomarker.Methods From Jun.to Aug.2007,Sixty-two traffic policemen and 35 male suburban inhabitants were selected.The ambient PM2.5 samples were collected within two consecutive days in the work place of traffic policeman and in the residential area of suburban inhabitants respectively.The levels of urinary 1-OHP and 10 PAHs species in the collected PM2.5 were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),while the information on smoking,drinking alcohol,exercising habit and so on was investigated by questionnaire.Results The average levels of benzo[a]pyrene,pyrene and total PAHs in the traffic policeman group were 3.20,6.48 and 38.32 ng/m3 respectively,while the corresponding values in the suburban inhabitant group were 1.54,4.05 and 25.43 ng/m3 respectively.The concentration of urinary 1-OHP in the policeman group was higher than that of the suburban inhabitant group.In addition,the effect of smoking on the 1-OHP concentrations were also detected in the smoking suburban inhabitants and serious smoking traffic policemen(≥20 cigarettes per day).There was no effect of other factors(such as drinking alcohol,exercising and cooking habit) on 1-OHP.Conclusion Both traffic policemen and suburban inhabitants in Beijing were exposed to high level of PAHs.The ambient air exposure and smoking are the most important factors influencing the concentration of urinary 1-OHP.