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The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-induced toxicity in asphalt workers neutrophils through induction of oxidative stress

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Abstract

Objective

Asphalt is known as an important source of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are one of the major concerns of the workplace and the scientific community, and have high stability and various toxicity effects.

Methods

Since asphalt workers are exposed to PAHs, this study was designed to evaluate the exposure of asphalt workers to PAHs and oxidative stress in neutrophils isolated from the workers.

Results

Results showed that exposure of asphalt workers with different PAHs is lower than the standard set. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in neutrophils isolated from the blood of asphalt workers were significantly higher than the normal group. Glutathione (GSH) levels and GSH/GSSG ratio in neutrophils isolated from the blood of asphalt workers were significantly lower than in the normal group.

Conclusion

Results suggest that due to the lower level of exposure to PAHs compared to the standard level, the level of oxidative stress in these workers is high. Based on the toxic effects and the lack of a standard level for some PAHs, the use of personal protective equipment and the use of antioxidants is recommended.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box, 13125-2151, Karaj, Iran

    Asghar Ghahri, Fatemeh Khademi, Hannaneh Zakersani & Enayatollah Seydi

  2. Research Center for Health, Safety and Environment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

    Asghar Ghahri & Enayatollah Seydi

  3. Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

    Pouria Seydi

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  1. Asghar Ghahri
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  2. Pouria Seydi
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Correspondence to Enayatollah Seydi.

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Conflict of interest

Asghar Ghahri, Pouria Seydi, Fatemeh Khademi, Hannaneh Zakersani, Enayatollah Seydi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The experimental protocols involved in the study were approved by the University of Alborz (Karaj, Iran) Ethical Committee with approval number: IR.ABZUMS.REC.1399.059.

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Ghahri, A., Seydi, P., Khademi, F. et al. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-induced toxicity in asphalt workers neutrophils through induction of oxidative stress. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. 13, 389–396 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-021-00106-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-021-00106-5

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