1
|
Miao G, Wang Y, Wang B, Yu H, Liu J, Pan R, Zhou C, Ning J, Zheng Y, Zhang R, Jin X. Multi-omics analysis reveals hepatic lipid metabolism profiles and serum lipid biomarkers upon indoor relevant VOC exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108221. [PMID: 37742460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
As a widespread indoor air pollutant, volatile organic compound (VOC) caused various adverse health effects, especial the damage to liver, which has become a growing public concern. However, the current toxic data are intrinsically restricted in the single or major VOC species. Limited knowledge is available regarding toxic effects, biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of real indoor VOC-caused liver damage. Herein, an indoor relevant VOC exposure model was established to evaluate the hepatic adverse outcomes. Machine learning and multi-omics approaches, including liver lipidomic, serum lipidomic and liver transcriptomic, were utilized to uncover the characteristics of liver damage, serum lipid biomarkers, and involved mechanism stimulated by VOC exposure. The result showed that indoor relevant VOC led to the abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism, mainly manifested as a decrease in triacylglycerol (TG) and its precursor substance diacylglycerol (DG), which could be contributed to the occurrence of hepatic adverse outcomes. In terms of serum lipid biomarkers, five lipid biomarkers in serum were uncovered using machine learning to reflect the hepatic lipid disorders induced by VOC. Multi-omics approaches revealed that the upregulated Dgkq disturbed the interconversion of DG and phosphatidic acid (PA), leading to a TG downregulation. The in-depth analysis revealed that VOC down-regulated FoxO transcription factor, contributing to the upregulation of Dgkq. Hence, this study can provide valuable insights into the understanding of liver damage caused by indoor relevant VOC exposure model VOC exposure, from the perspective of multi-omics analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gan Miao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baoqiang Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruonan Pan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengying Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Ning
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Xiaoting Jin
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen WY, Fu YP, Tu H, Zhong W, Zhou L. The association between exposure to volatile organic compounds and serum lipids in the US adult population. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:129. [PMID: 37568143 PMCID: PMC10422774 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01895-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Epidemiological evidence on the relationship between exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both single and mixed, and serum lipid levels is limited, and their relationship remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the associations of exposure to VOCs with serum lipid levels in the US adult population. METHODS AND RESULTS The study examined the association of 16 VOC levels (2-methylhippuric acid, 3- and 4-methylhippuric acid, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-L-cysteine, 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid, N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine. N-Acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine, mandelic acid, N-acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-butenyl)-L-cysteine, phenylglyoxylic acid and N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl-1-methyl)-L-cysteine) with total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2015, and a total of 1410 adults were enrolled. The association was evaluated by Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. In BKMR analysis, exposure to VOCs is positively correlated with levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C. However, statistical significance was observed only for the impact on TG. Our linear regression analysis and WQS regression generally support the BKMR results. Several VOCs were positively associated with serum lipid profiles (e.g., the ln-transformed level of mandelic acid (MA) displayed an increase in estimated changes of 7.01 (95% CIs: 2.78, 11.24) mg/dL for TC level), even after the effective number of tests for multiple testing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to VOCs was associated with serum lipids, and more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yu Chen
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Nanchang University Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 China
| | - Yan-Peng Fu
- Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Tu
- Nusring Department, Nanchang University Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 China
| | - Wen Zhong
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Nanchang University Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Nanchang University Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li Z, Liu X, Chen Q, Qin J, Liao Q, Du R, Deng Q, Xiao Y, Xing X. Effects of coexposure to noise and mixture of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (TEXS) on hearing loss in petrochemical workers of southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:31620-31630. [PMID: 36449247 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24414-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Many harmful factors existing simultaneously with noise are reported to induce hearing impairment, such as organic solvents. However, the existing hearing safety limits and current risk assessment for hearing loss rely on single noise exposure. It is urgent to clarify the combined effect of noise and other harmful factors on hearing loss. Petrochemical workers are always exposed to noise and organic solvents, mainly benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS), while the combined effect of their coexposure on hearing remains unclear. Herein we conducted a cross-sectional survey, measuring pure-tone audiometry of 1496 petrochemical workers in southern China. Participants exposed to BTEXS were 569, 524, 156, 452, and 177 respectively. Individual cumulative noise exposure (CNE) levels and BTEXS exposure were assessed. The average CNE was 93.27 ± 4.92 dB(A)·years, and the concentrations of BTEXS were far below the occupational exposure limits of China. Logistic regression analyses showed that CNE was consistently positively associated with hearing loss (HL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) but not related to speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL). Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of CNE, those in the highest quartile showed an OR of 5.229 (95% CI: 3.179, 8.598) for HFHL. Two-pollutant model analysis indicated that TEXS exposure was positively associated with HL (OR 1.679, 95%CI 1.086, 2.597), SFHL (OR 2.440, 95%CI 1.255, 4.744), and HFHL (OR 1.475, 95%CI 1.077, 2.020). However, no interactions were observed between CNE and TEXS coexposure on hearing loss. In our study, covariates including smoking and drinking status, body mass index (BMI), ear protection and personal protective equipment, and use of earphone/headphone were adjusted. In conclusion, coexposure to noise and low-level TEXS could induce more severe damage on hearing function than exposure to each alone, especially SFHL. Therefore, petrochemical workers simultaneously exposed to noise and TEXS, even at low-level, should be included in hearing protection programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zongxin Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qingfei Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jingyao Qin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qilong Liao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Rui Du
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qifei Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongmei Xiao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiumei Xing
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rahimpoor R, Sarvi F, Rahimnejad S, Ebrahimi SM. Occupational exposure to BTEX and styrene in West Asian countries: a brief review of current state and limits. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2022; 73:107-118. [PMID: 35792774 PMCID: PMC9287831 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of introducing occupational exposure limits (OELs) is to use them as a risk management tool in order to protect workers' health and well-being against harmful agents at the workplace. In this review we identify OELs for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), and styrene concentrations in air and assess occupational exposure to these compounds through a systematic literature search of publications published in West Asian countries from 1980 to 2021. OELs for BTEX and styrene have been set in Iran and Turkey to levels similar to those in European countries and the US. The search yielded 49 full-text articles that cover studies of exposure assessment in six countries, but most (n=40) regard Iran. Average occupational exposure to benzene of workers in oil-related industries is higher than recommended OEL, while average occupational exposure to other compounds is lower than local OELs (where they exist). Currently, information about levels of occupational exposure to BTEX and styrene is insufficient in West Asian countries, which should be remedied through OEL regulation and application. Furthermore, coherent research is also needed to determine actual levels of occupational exposure, dose-responses, and the economic and technical capacity of local industries to address current issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razzagh Rahimpoor
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Evaz Health, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sarvi
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences, School of Health, Department of Public Health, Larestan, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimnejad
- Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Health, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ebrahimi
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Pharmacy School, Department of Toxicology, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blood plasma levels of biomarkers of liver status and lipid profile among nail technicians occupationally exposed to low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 94:487-494. [PMID: 33156392 PMCID: PMC8032578 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nail technicians (NTs) are exposed to a low-level mixture of volatile organic solvents (VOCs), yet the health hazards related to such exposure are unknown. This study thus aimed to compare the blood plasma levels of selected biomarkers related to liver status and lipid profile among occupationally exposed NTs and unexposed controls. Associations between out-of-normal-range levels of such biomarkers and occupational exposure to VOCs mixture have also been investigated. METHODS The study enrolled 145 female NTs and 152 unexposed controls. Biochemical analyses were performed using spectrophotometric assays and obtained data were analyzed using general linear model and Poisson regression modelling adjusted to multiple confounders. RESULTS Compared to controls, NTs presented significantly increased plasma activities of ALT (2.04 ± 0.63 ln-U/l vs. 1.25 ± 0.71 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001) and AST (2.73 ± 0.25 ln-U/l vs. 2.08 ± 0.95 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001), and significantly increased plasma levels of TG (4.38 ± 0.53 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.42 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.05) and TC/HDL ratio (1.18 ± 0.36 vs. 1.02 ± 0.27; p < 0.0005). Plasma levels of HDL were significantly lower among NTs (4.02 ± 0.29 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.26 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.0001). Moreover, NTs were found to present significantly increased risk of occurrence of clinically relevant plasma HDL levels below 3.91 ln-mg/dl (i.e., 50 mg/dl; RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.07-2.32, p < 0.05), as well as increased risk of clinically relevant TC/HDL ratio above the normal range limit of 3.5 (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.19-2.35, p < 0.005), as compared to unexposed controls. CONCLUSION Nail technicians are subject to adverse changes in selected plasma biomarkers related to liver functions, some of which may be of clinical relevance.
Collapse
|
6
|
Werder EJ, Beier JI, Sandler DP, Falkner KC, Gripshover T, Wahlang B, Engel LS, Cave MC. Blood BTEXS and heavy metal levels are associated with liver injury and systemic inflammation in Gulf states residents. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 139:111242. [PMID: 32205228 PMCID: PMC7368391 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposures to volatile organic compounds and metals have previously been associated with liver diseases including steatohepatitis, although more data are needed. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene (BTEXS) and metals were measured in blood samples collected between May 2012-July 2013 from volunteers participating in home visits for the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study. This cross-sectional analysis evaluates associations of exposure biomarkers with serum liver injury and adipocytokine biomarkers in a sample of 214 men. METHODS Adult nonsmoking men without a history of liver disease or heavy alcohol consumption were included. The serologic disease biomarkers evaluated were the hepatocellular injury biomarker, cytokeratin 18 [whole (CK18 M65) and caspase-cleaved fragment (CK18 M30)]; and adipocytokines. Confounder-adjusted beta coefficients were determined using linear regression models for the overall sample (primary endpoints) and for obesity-classified sub-groups (secondary endpoints). A product interaction term between the exposure of interest and a dichotomized indicator of obesity was included to determine the disease modifying effects of obesity on the biomarker associations. RESULTS The study sample was 57% white and 51% obese. In the overall sample, lead was positively associated with CK18 M30 (β = 21.7 ± 6.0 (SE), p = 0.0004); IL-1β (β = 32.8 ± 5.2, p < 0.0001); IL-6 (β = 72.8 ± 18.3, p = 0.0001); and IL-8 (β = 140.8 ± 42.2, p = 0.001). Cadmium exposures were associated with increased IL-1β (β = 77.8 ± 26.3, p = 0.003) and IL-8 (β = 419.5 ± 201.2, p = 0.04). There were multiple significant interactions between obesity and exposure to lead, cadmium, benzene and toluene in relation to outcome biomarkers. Among obese participants (n = 108), benzene, lead, and cadmium were each positively associated with CK18 M30, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. In obese subjects, lead was also inversely associated with leptin, and toluene was positively associated with IL-1β. CONCLUSION For the overall sample, heavy metal exposures were associated with liver injury (lead only) and/or systemic inflammation (lead and cadmium). Obesity modified the associations between BTEXS and heavy metal exposures on several of the outcome variables. In the obesity subgroup, liver injury was positively associated with lead, cadmium and benzene exposures; systemic inflammation was increased with lead, cadmium, benzene, and toluene exposures; and leptin was inversely associated with lead exposures. The cross-sectional design of this study makes it difficult to determine causality, and all results should be interpreted cautiously. Nonetheless, the potential impact of exposures to lead, cadmium, benzene and toluene in steatohepatitis, an obesity-associated inflammatory liver disease, warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Juliane I Beier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Keith C Falkner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Tyler Gripshover
- Department Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine and the UofL Superfund Research Center, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Banrida Wahlang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine and the UofL Superfund Research Center, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, The UofL Superfund Research Center, The UofL Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, The UofL Alcohol Research Center and the Jewish Hospital Liver Transplant Program, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY, 40206, USA.
| |
Collapse
|