Evaluation of toxicological monitoring markers using proteomic analysis in rats exposed to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (FA) is known as a low molecule weight organic compound and one of major components that causes sick building syndrome (SBS), and it has been reported that FA has cytotoxic, hemotoxic, immunotoxic, and genotoxic properties. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has characterized FA as a carcinogen. In this study, we investigated the effects of FA on rat plasma proteins by using proteomic approach. Rats were exposed to three different concentrations of FA (0, 5, 10 ppm) for 2 weeks at 6 hours/day and 5 days/week in an inhalation chamber. Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and carbonyl spectrometric assay were conducted to determine lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels and Comet assays were used for genotoxicity evaluation. Level of MDA, carbonyl insertion and DNA damage in plasma, livers, and in the lymphocytes of rats exposed to FA were found to be dose dependently increased. Proteomic analysis using three different pI ranges (3.5-5.6, 5.3-6.9, 6-9) and large size two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) showed the presence of 3491 protein spots. A total of 32 (19 up- and 13 down-regulated) proteins were identified as biomarkers of FA, all showed dose dependent expressions in the plasma of rats exposed to FA and of these, 27 protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/MS. Several differentiated protein groups were found. Proteins involved in apoptosis, transportation, signaling, energy metabolism, and cell structure and motility were found to be up- or down-regulated. Among these, the identities of SNAP 23, apolipoprotein A-1 and E, clusterin, kinesin, and fibrinogen gamma were confirmed by Western blot assay, and apo E was further analyzed by using 2-DE immunoblot assays to determine isoform patterns. Two cytokine including IL4 and INF-gamma were measured in plasma with respect to fibrinogen gamma changes. In summary, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity assays, namely MDA lipid peroxidation assay, the carbonyl protein oxidation assay, and Comet genotoxic assay showed that these effects increased on increasing FA levels. Proteomic analysis with three different pI ranges and long size 2-DE gel electrophoresis showed that 32 protein spots were up-or down-regulated. Of these 32 proteins, 7 proteins were confirmed by western blot assay. They could be potential biomarkers for human diseases associated with FA exposure.