2-Naphthol Levels and Allergic Disorders in Children

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Biomarkers
• Allergic Diseases

Background:

• Measuring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in ambient air is challenging.
• Urine biomarkers, such as 2-naphthol, offer an alternative for PAH exposure assessment.
• This study investigates the link between urine 2-naphthol, oxidative stress, and allergic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between urine 2-naphthol levels and allergic diseases in children.
• To investigate the relationship between 2-naphthol levels and oxidative stress biomarkers.
• To understand the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases linked to PAH exposure.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 453 children from the Childhood Environment and Allergic Diseases Study (CEAS) cohort.
• Measured urine 2-naphthol using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
• Assessed oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) via ELISA and analyzed associations using regression models.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between urine 2-naphthol and 8OHdG levels (β = 100.61, p < 0.001).
• Children with asthma showed significantly higher 2-naphthol levels (>1.60 ng/mL, adjusted OR: 3.14).
• These findings suggest a link between PAH exposure, oxidative stress, and allergic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Urine 2-naphthol levels correlate with oxidative stress markers in children.
• Elevated 2-naphthol is associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases, specifically asthma.
• This research underscores the importance of monitoring PAH exposure through biomarkers for understanding childhood allergic diseases.