Bulky DNA adducts, microRNA profiles, and lipid biomarkers in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust

Article

Authors: Rynning, Iselin ; Arlt, Volker M. ; Vrbova, Kristyna ; Neca, Jiri ; Rossner, Pavel Jr. ; Klema, Jiri ; Ulvestad, Bente ; Petersen, Elisabeth ; Skare, Øivind ; Haugen, aage ; Phillips, David H. ; Machala, Miroslav ; Topinka, Jan ; Mollerup, Steen

Periodical: Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Publication date: 2019

Volume: 76

N°: 1

Pages: 10-16

Keywords: occupational risks ; diesel engine ; exhaust gases ; exposure assessment ; biological effects ; health impact assessment ; DNA ; tunnelling

Geographic area: Norway

Subject: Occupational risks

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2018-105445

Language: English

Illustrations: Bibliogr.

"Objectives
This study aimed to assess the biological impact of occupational exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) including DE particles (DEP) from heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers (TFW).
Methods
TFW (n=69) and referents (n=69) were investigated for bulky DNA adducts (by 32P-postlabelling) and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) (by small RNA sequencing) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as circulating free arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosanoid profiles in plasma (by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry).
Results
PBMC from TFW showed significantly higher levels of DNA adducts compared with referents. Levels of DNA adducts were also related to smoking habits. Seventeen miRNAs were significantly deregulated in TFW. Several of these miRNAs are related to carcinogenesis, apoptosis and antioxidant effects. Analysis of putative miRNA-gene targets revealed deregulation of pathways associated with cancer, alterations in lipid molecules, steroid biosynthesis and cell cycle. Plasma profiles showed higher levels of free AA and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and lower levels of prostaglandin D2 and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in TFW compared with referents.
Conclusion
Occupational exposure to DE/DEP is associated with biological alterations in TFW potentially affecting lung homoeostasis, carcinogenesis, inflammation status and the cardiovascular system. Of particular importance is the finding that tunnel finishing work is associated with an increased level of DNA adducts formation in PBMC."

Support: Digital

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