A new potential biomarker in early diagnosis of firefighter lung function impairment: dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between urinary arsenic, oxidative stress, assessed by thiol/disulphide homeostasis, and lung diseases in firefighters. Methods: The study conducted among the municipality-based male firefighters (n = 100) who were admitted to occupational diseases clinic for periodic medical examination. The control group consisted of non-exposed male office workers (n = 50). Urinary arsenic levels, thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters of participants were determined. Also, lung diseases were assessed by chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Results: The mean age and work year did not differ in the study and control group. The median urinary arsenic concentration of firefighters was significantly higher than in the control group: 15.65 (2.5-246) μg/L and 3 (0.10-6) μg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The parameters of pulmonary function tests (PFT) FVC (%), FEV1 (%), FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF 25-75 (%) were all significantly lower in firefighters compared to controls. A significant increase in mean serum disulphide concentration (17.10 ± 8.31 μmol/L vs. 7.48 ± 5.91) (Fig. 1) and disulphide/native thiol % ratio: 3.63 (0.53-11.43) vs. 1.51 (0.03-7.65) (p < 0.001) were found between exposed group and controls. The Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between urinary arsenic and disulphide (r = 0.422, p < 0.001), disulphide/native thiol % ratio (r = 0.409, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, urinary arsenic correlated negatively with all PFT parameters including FVC (%), FEV1 (%), FEV1/FVC and FEF 25-75 (%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We showed the arsenic-induced oxidative stress in firefighters with impairments of several lung functions determined by thiol/ disulphide homeostasis using a novel method.

Internal Flames: Metal(loid) Exposure Linked to Alteration of the Lipid Profile in Czech Male Firefighters (CELSPAC-FIREexpo Study)

“…Median urinary As measured in Turkish firefighters was 15.65 ng/mL, 39 which is substantially higher compared to the median in PROF in our study (6.1 ng/mL). A higher median of As was observed also in Californian firefighters (10.4 ng/mL).…”

“…Median urinary As measured in Turkish firefighters was 15.65 ng/mL, which is substantially higher compared to the median in PROF in our study (6.1 ng/mL). A higher median of As was observed also in Californian firefighters (10.4 ng/mL). , Observed differences might be caused by the natural occurrence of As in the environment and regionally different procedures applied during firefighting and decontamination of the gear.…”

Investigation of Dynamic Thiol Disulfide Homeostasis in Acute Respiratory Failure Patients in Intensive Care Unit

“…Gündüzöz et al have shown that firefighters exposed to chronic xenobiotics had abnormal respiratory function tests and chest radiographs, and significantly higher levels of disulfide and disulfide / native thiol. They have emphasized that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung injury in these individuals and that early detection of oxidative stress is important (35). Effective use of intensive care beds is extremely important for the provision of hospital services and patient health.…”

The relationship between short term fasting and oxidative stress in pediatric emergency patients

“…Tiyol disülfid dengesi antioksidan savunmada ve detoksifikasyonda kritik rollere sahiptir [11]. Günümüzde oksidatif stresin birçok kronik hastalığın etiyopatogenezinde rolü olduğu bilinmektedir [10][11][12][13].…”