Biomarkers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and serum liver enzymes

Am J Ind Med. 2015 Jul;58(7):764-72. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22463. Epub 2015 May 5.

Abstract

Background: Limited evidence suggests that human liver toxicity is associated with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Methods: The association of urinary PAH metabolites with serum liver enzymes was tested among 288 workers at a petrochemical plant, using a general linear model (GLM) and multiple logistic regression.

Results: Urine 2-naphthol levels were positively correlated with serum AST after adjustment for covariates in GLM. Comparing third tertile versus first tertile of 2-naphthol levels, the odds ratios (OR) were elevated for abnormal serum AST levels [OR = 4.1 (95%CI 1.6-10.2)] and abnormal serum ALT levels [OR = 2.4 (95%CI 1.2-4.9)].

Conclusions: Although confounding by alcohol intake was not completely ruled out, our findings demonstrate an association between PAHs exposure and elevation in serum liver enzymes. Urinary 2-naphthol is a biomarker of exposure to PAHs that is associated with liver toxicity.

Keywords: 2-naphthol; PAHs; biomarker; liver; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Chemical Industry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naphthols / urine*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / toxicity*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Naphthols
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • 2-naphthol