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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and pediatric asthma in children: a case-control study

Nasser M Al-Daghri1, Majed S Alokail, Sherif H Abd-Alrahman

  • 1Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. ndaghri@ksu.edu.sa

Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source
|January 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Elevated serum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are linked to childhood asthma in Saudi children. Specific PAHs correlate with asthma biomarkers, indicating their role in the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma is a significant health issue in Arab populations.
  • Environmental pollution is a suspected contributor to asthma and respiratory symptoms.
  • This study investigates the link between serum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and asthma in Saudi children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between serum PAH levels and asthma and allergic outcomes in Saudi children up to 15 years old.
  • To test the hypothesis that increased serum PAHs are associated with allergy, asthma, or respiratory symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 195 Saudi children (98 with asthma, 97 healthy controls) was selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study.
  • Asthma diagnosis was confirmed using established pediatric criteria and medication records.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in asthma-related markers were observed between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.
  • Specific PAHs, including naphthalene and benzo(e)acephenanthrylene, showed strong associations with childhood asthma.
  • PAH levels correlated with key asthma biomarkers such as IgE, resistin, and various cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10).

Conclusions:

  • Specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons play a critical role in the development of childhood asthma.
  • Findings underscore the impact of environmental pollutants on pediatric respiratory health.
Abstract

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