DNA damage and inflammatory response in workers exposed to fuels and paints

Abstract

Workers exposed to fuels and paints may present alterations in several parameters. Thus, we assessed potential biomarkers, with the aim of detecting early changes in gasoline station attendants and painters. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of inflammatory and DNA damage markers, besides biochemical, haematological and oxidative stress parameters. Biochemical and haematological parameters, which are assessed with routine exams, showed few changes. However, these findings could mask the workers’ real health status. Besides, markers of oxidative damage were not modified. Levels of inflammatory parameters (cytokines and nitric oxide levels) and the DNA damage marker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were significantly changed in the workers. Our results suggest that inflammatory and DNA damage parameters can be potential biomarkers for the biological monitoring of workers exposed to fuels and paints and may contribute to the development of occupational protection standards.

Keywords:

• Biochemical parameters; haematological parameters; cytokines; gasoline station attendants; painters

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Margareth Linde Athayde for contributions in the experimental procedures.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest relating to the material presented in this Article. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are solely those of the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico (CNPq) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS). The fellowships were provided by CNPq and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES) (Brazil). E.S.B is recipient of fellowship from CAPES/PROEX (process #88887.185973/2018-00).