Co-exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals, four common polymorphisms in microRNA genes, and their gene-environment interactions: Influences on oxidative damage levels in Chinese coke oven workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human are often simultaneously exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals, yet relatively little is known regarding their co-exposure effects on oxidative damage. Genetic factors and the gene-environment interactions can also determine the severity of oxidative damage. Four polymorphisms in microRNA (miRNA) genes (rs11614913, rs2292832, rs2910164, and rs3746444) have been well-studied to be associated with oxidative damage-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influences of PAH-metal co-exposure, four polymorphisms, and their interactions on oxidative damage levels. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 1385 coke oven workers. We quantified exposure levels of PAHs and metals by urinary monohydroxy-PAHs, plasma benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-albumin adducts, and urinary metals, respectively, and measured oxidative damage levels by 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. We also genotyped four polymorphisms. RESULTS: < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PAH-metal co-exposure, rs11614913, and their interactions may affect oxidative damage levels in Chinese population in a complex manner that are worthy of further investigation.