Oxidative and nitrosative stress markers in bus drivers

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress
• Toxicology

Background:

• Ambient air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), is a significant global health concern.
• Oxidative and nitrosative stress are key mechanisms implicated in PM-induced adverse health effects.
• Occupational exposure to traffic-related air pollution is prevalent in professions like bus driving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers in bus drivers exposed to urban air pollution versus control subjects.
• To explore correlations between stress markers, antioxidant vitamins, cotinine, and exposure to PM2.5 and PM10.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 50 bus drivers and 50 matched controls in Prague.
• Simultaneous measurement of urinary 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 15-F(2t)-isoprostane (15-F(2t)-IsoP).
• Measurement of plasma protein carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosine (NT) using ELISA techniques.
• Assessment of vitamin E, vitamin C, and cotinine levels.

Main Results:

• Bus drivers exhibited significantly elevated levels of all four oxidative and nitrosative stress markers (8-oxodG, 15-F(2t)-IsoP, protein carbonyls, and NT) compared to controls.
• Positive correlations were observed between stress markers and exposure to PM2.5 and PM10.
• Specific correlations found between 15-F(2t)-IsoP and vitamins E, C, and cotinine; and between vitamin E and 8-oxodG and protein carbonyls.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution leads to increased oxidative and nitrosative stress.
• Biomarkers of stress are elevated in individuals with high exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
• Findings underscore the detrimental health impact of ambient air pollution on urban populations and specific occupational groups.