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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 20-03-2024 | Biomarkers | Original Article

Metal and oxidative potential exposure through particle inhalation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a 2-week pilot prospective study among Parisian subway workers

Authors: Jean-Jacques Sauvain, Maud Hemmendinger, Thomas Charreau, Valérie Jouannique, Amélie Debatisse, Guillaume Suárez, Nancy B. Hopf, Irina Guseva Canu

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

Objective

In this pilot study on subway workers, we explored the relationships between particle exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine to identify the most relevant biomarkers for a large-scale study in this field.

Methods

We constructed a comprehensive occupational exposure assessment among subway workers in three distinct jobs over 10 working days, measuring daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM), their metal content and oxidative potential (OP). Individual pre- and post-shift EBC and urine samples were collected daily. Three oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in these matrices: malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. The association between each effect biomarker and exposure variables was estimated by multivariable multilevel mixed-effect models with and without lag times.

Results

The OP was positively associated with Fe and Mn, but not associated with any effect biomarkers. Concentration changes of effect biomarkers in EBC and urine were associated with transition metals in PM (Cu and Zn) and furthermore with specific metals in EBC (Ba, Co, Cr and Mn) and in urine (Ba, Cu, Co, Mo, Ni, Ti and Zn). The direction of these associations was both metal- and time-dependent. Associations between Cu or Zn and MDA_EBC generally reached statistical significance after a delayed time of 12 or 24 h after exposure. Changes in metal concentrations in EBC and urine were associated with MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations the same day.

Conclusion

Associations between MDA in both EBC and urine gave opposite response for subway particles containing Zn versus Cu. This diverting Zn and Cu pattern was also observed for 8-OHdG and urinary concentrations of these two metals. Overall, MDA and 8-OHdG responses were sensitive for same-day metal exposures in both matrices. We recommend MDA and 8-OHdG in large field studies to account for oxidative stress originating from metals in inhaled particulate matter.

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Title: Metal and oxidative potential exposure through particle inhalation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a 2-week pilot prospective study among Parisian subway workers
Authors: Jean-Jacques Sauvain
Maud Hemmendinger
Thomas Charreau
Valérie Jouannique
Amélie Debatisse
Guillaume Suárez
Nancy B. Hopf
Irina Guseva Canu
Publication date: 20-03-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Biomarkers
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-024-02054-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Metal and oxidative potential exposure through particle inhalation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a 2-week pilot prospective study among Parisian subway workers

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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