Serum Metabolites in Hand-Arm Vibration Exposed Workers

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether low molecular organic biomarkers could be identified in blood samples from vibration exposed workers using a metabolomics. Methods: The study population consisted of 38 metalworkers. All participants underwent a standardized medical examination. Blood samples were collected before and after work shift and analyzed with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate modeling (orthogonal partial least-squares analysis with discriminant analysis [OPLS-DA]) were used to verify differences in metabolic profiles. Results: Twenty-two study participants reported vascular symptoms judged as vibration-related. The metabolic profile from participants with vibration-induced white fingers (VWF) was distinctly separated from participants without VWF, both before and after vibration exposure. Conclusion: Metabolites that differed between the groups were identified both before and after exposure. Some of these metabolites might be indicators of health effects from exposure to vibrations. This is the first time that a metabolomic approach has been used in workers exposed to vibrations.

Exposure to hand-held vibrating tools and biomarkers of nerve injury in plasma: a population-based, observational study

“…Recently, low molecular organic biomarkers were analysed in blood samples in vibration-exposed workers using metabolomics, showing differences in those with vibration-induced white fingers. 42 However, these metabolites were not possible to analyse in the present cohort. The interpretation of the present results is that vibration exposure is not sufficient to constantly increase any upregulation of a variety of biomarkers, except galanin, in the peripheral nerve that is mirrored in the plasma levels.…”

“…Thus, a number of potentially relevant biomarkers were selected and analysed, but were not found to be high in the plasma. Recently, low molecular organic biomarkers were analysed in blood samples in vibration-exposed workers using metabolomics, showing differences in those with vibration-induced white fingers 42. However, these metabolites were not possible to analyse in the present cohort.…”

A Study on Vascular Regulators as Early Biomarkers of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

“…Wahl et al 4 suggested that understanding the changes in the vasculature after vibration could shorten the latency period between symptom onset and definitive diagnosis. Vihlborg et al 5 used metabolomics analysis to observe different metabolites in vibration-exposed and nonexposed groups; some of these metabolites may be indicators of the health effects of vibration exposure. Furthermore, using an established rat vibration model, endothelin-1 (ET-1) was found to be aberrantly expressed in blood samples obtained from vibration-exposed rats 6 …”