Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites in Urine as Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect

Abstract

Humans are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various occupational, environmental, medicinal, and dietary sources. PAH metabolites in human urine can be used as biomarkers of internal dose to assess recent exposure to PAHs. PAH metabolites that have been detected in human urine include 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 1-hydroxypyrene-O-glucuronide (1 -OHP-gluc), 3-hydroxybenzo[alpyrene, 7,8,9,1 0-tetrahydroxy-7,8 927-932 (1996)

Cumulative exposure assessment for trace-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using human blood and plasma analysis

“…Body burden of PAHs is generally assessed using hydroxy-PAHs (phase-1 metabolites) in urine; often, only the 1-hydroxy-pyrene compound is used as a surrogate for all PAHs as a class [34][35][36]. Blood measurements for DNA adducts of PAHs have been employed as markers for future disease [37].…”

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formed in a simulator of the human gastrointestinal tract

“…There is growing interest in the study of hydroxylated PAH metabolites, as important intermediates of PAH biotransformation processes in the human body [8]. Monitoring of urinary or biliary 1-hydroxypyrene and other PAH metabolites is often used as biomarkers for PAH exposure in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but also for exposure to humans [9,10]. Apart from their importance as transformation products, hydroxylated PAHs may possess estrogenic properties [4] and some are related to mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.…”

Consumption of Charcoal‐Broiled Meat as an Experimental Tool for Discerning CYP1A2‐Mediated Drug Metabolism in vivo

“…Post hoc assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure by examining the metabolites in urine is also possible (Strickland et al 1996). Pronounced interindividual variation in urinary concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites have been found in subjects consuming identical amounts of charcoal-broiled beef, but further studies are needed to validate these metabolites in urine as a surrogate marker of exposure (Kang et al 1995).…”