[Association between telomere length and occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Genetics

Background:

• Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a concern in industries like coke production.
• PAHs are known genotoxic agents, and their impact on cellular aging markers requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and telomere length (TL).
• To identify potential biomarkers for assessing genetic damage in peripheral blood of workers exposed to PAHs.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 145 coke-oven workers and 68 controls.
• Measurement of airborne benzene-soluble matter (BSM) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in the work environment.
• Quantification of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) as a PAH exposure biomarker.
• Determination of relative telomere length (RTL) in peripheral blood using real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• Coke-oven workers exhibited significantly higher levels of airborne PAHs and urinary 1-OHPyr compared to controls.
• Significantly shorter relative telomere length (RTL) was observed in coke-oven workers compared to controls, even after adjusting for confounders.
• Shorter RTL was particularly evident in male and non-drinking subgroups of PAH-exposed workers.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to PAHs significantly impacts telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood.
• Telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood shows potential as an effective biomarker for PAH-induced genetic damage.
• The findings highlight the need for protective measures for workers exposed to PAHs, especially males and non-drinkers.