Effects of Workers Exposure to Nanoparticles Studied by NMR Metabolomics

Abstract

In this study, the effects of occupational exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) were studied by NMR metabolomics. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and blood plasma samples were obtained from a research nanoparticles-processing unit at a national research university. The samples were taken from three groups of subjects: samples from workers exposed to nanoparticles collected before and after shift, and from controls not exposed to NPs. Altogether, 60 1H NMR spectra of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples and 60 1H NMR spectra of blood plasma samples were analysed, 20 in each group. The metabolites identified together with binning data were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis, which provided clear discrimination of the groups studied. Statistically significant metabolites responsible for group separation served as a foundation for analysis of impaired metabolic pathways. It was found that the acute effect of NPs exposure is mainly reflected in the pathways related to the production of antioxidants and other protective species, while the chronic effect is manifested mainly in the alteration of glutamine and glutamate metabolism, and the purine metabolism pathway.

Applications and Challenges for Metabolomics via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

“…In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have been developing rapidly; at the same time, the increased use of nanoparticles has raised several concerns regarding human public health and occupational safety. In the article by Horník et al [4], NMRbased metabolomics of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and blood plasma is used to study the effects of occupational exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). The EBC and blood plasma samples from 20 workers exposed to NPs were collected pre-shift (i.e., before 2.5 h of exposure to NPs) and post-shift (i.e., after NP exposure).…”