Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers and serum markers of inflammation. A positive association that is more evident in men

Abstract

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potent atmospheric pollutants, occurring from anthropogenic and natural sources. Several animal studies have reported a positive association of PAHs with inflammation. However, it is not clear if lower background exposure to PAHs is associated with inflammation in humans, independent of smoking, a major source of PAHs. Methods We examined participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001– 2002, 2003–2004, and 2005–2006. Our exposures of interest were eight urinary monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers. Our outcomes were serum markers of inflammation; C-reactive protein (CRP) (≤10 mg/L) and total white blood cell (WBC) count (4000–12,000 cells/µL). Results Compared to participants with summed biomarkers of low-molecular weight (LMW) PAHs in the lowest quartile, the multivariable odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of high serum CRP (≥3 mg/L) and high total WBC count (defined as at or above the 95 percentile of total WBC distribution) among participants in the highest exposure quartile were 1.77 (1.13, 2.76) and 1.34 (1.12, 1.60) respectively. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, the biomarker of the higher molecular weight pyrene, was positively associated with total WBC count, and to lesser extent with serum CRP. In subsequent analyses, the positive association between LMW PAHs and serum CRP and total WBC count was found to be present within the stratified subgroups, independent of smoking and other potential confounders. The positive association was more evident among adult males when compared to females. Conclusions Urinary PAH biomarkers were found to be positively associated with serum CRP and total WBC count independent of smoking and other potential confounders. The association was more evident in men.

The association of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers and cardiovascular disease in the US population

“…The role of inflammation as a risk factor for CVD development has been well established (28, 29). Population based studies supported an association between PAH and inflammation (9, 30). A recent study also suggested an association between PAHs and a number of obesity-related cardiometabolic health risk factors (31).…”

“…Pre-clinical studies have reported a positive association between exposure to PAHs, oxidative stress and atherosclerosis (7, 8). Epidemiological studies have found a positive association between biomarkers of PAH exposure and serum inflammatory markers of CVD (9). In addition, a positive association between occupational exposure to PAHs and CVD morbidity and mortality has been reported (10, 11).…”

Different profiles of carcinogen exposure in Chinese compared with US cigarette smokers

“…In addition, urinary PAH metabolite excretion, independent of cigarette smoking, has been associated with inflammatory biomarkers that are predictive of cardiovascular disease risk. 44 In any case, country differences in cigarette composition and related differences in exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants should be considered in comparative disease epidemiology studies.…”

Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, antioxidant levels and behavioral development of children ages 6–9

“…PAH exposure has previously been shown to be associated with DNA adduct formation, epigenetic alterations, and has detrimental effects on neurodevelopment and behavior (Alshaarawy et al, 2013; Edwards et al, 2010; Perera et al, 2009; Perera et al, 2006; Tang et al, 2012). In the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health longitudinal cohort study in New York City, a statistically significant positive association was observed between higher prenatal PAH exposure and symptoms of Anxious/Depressed and Attention problems (Perera et al, 2012).…”