The association between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and liver function among US population: a...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Pulmonary toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is well-documented.
• Hepatotoxic effects of PAHs remain largely unknown.
• Urinary PAH metabolites serve as biomarkers for exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between urinary PAH levels and liver function parameters in the US population.
• To identify specific PAH metabolites linked to abnormal liver function.
• To assess the impact of PAHs on liver health beyond pulmonary effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2016.
• Included 2515 adult participants.
• Employed logistic regression to analyze associations between urinary PAHs and elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• Increased levels of 9-hydroxyfluorene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, and 3-hydroxyfluorene were significantly associated with elevated GGT.
• 9-hydroxyfluorene demonstrated the strongest association with elevated GGT (OR = 2.11, P < 0.001).
• The influence of 9-hydroxyfluorene on GGT levels was observed to be modified by the presence of other PAHs.

Conclusions:

• Urinary 9-hydroxyfluorene is significantly associated with elevated GGT levels, indicating potential hepatotoxicity.
• The combined presence of multiple PAHs may potentiate the effect of 9-hydroxyfluorene on liver function.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of PAH-induced liver injury.