Assessment of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

Background Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is known to increase oxidative stress, impacting health adversely. This study examines the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Methods A pilot prospective observational study was conducted in Samoeng District, Chiang Mai, including 25 healthy participants (age 25–60 years). Urine samples were collected during high (March–April 2023) and low (May–July 2023) PM2.5 seasons. PM2.5 concentrations were monitored daily from the Northern Thailand Air Quality Health Index (NTAQHI) system. Biomarkers analyzed included 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), malondialdehyde (MDA) via Spectrophotometry, and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 α (8-epi-PGF2 α ) with Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. Results Significant increases in urinary 1-OHP, MDA, and 8-epi-PGF2 α were observed during the high PM2.5 season compared to the low season. The mean concentration of PM2.5 was 67 µg/m 3 during high pollution and 7 µg/m 3 during low pollution. Elevated levels of these biomarkers indicate increased oxidative stress associated with higher PM2.5 exposure. Conclusions This study highlights a significant association between elevated PM2.5 levels and increased oxidative stress biomarkers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The findings suggest that exposure to higher concentrations of PM2.5 contributes to oxidative stress, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.