Association of shift work with oxidative stress and alteration of fasting plasma glucose level in Chinese adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association of shift work with blood glucose and the mediating role of oxidative stress.

Methods: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and urinary concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α [8-isoPGF_2α ]) were measured among 831 participants.

Results: Positive dose-response relationships among shift work duration, FPG (p_trend < 0.001), and abnormal glucose regulation (AGR; p_trend = 0.035) were found. Compared with participants without shift work, three-shift work was associated with a higher level of FPG (percentage change: 6.49%, 95% CI: 4.21%-8.83%) and a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (odds ratio: 1.886, 95% CI: 1.114-3.192) and AGR (odds ratio: 1.929, 95% CI: 1.197-3.111). A dose-response relationship was found between shift work duration and 8-OHdG (p_trend = 0.002) and 8-isoPGF_2α (p_trend = 0.019). Urinary 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF_2α partially mediated the association between shift work duration and FPG levels and the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and AGR, with mediating proportions ranging from 4.77% to 20.76%.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that shift work is positively associated with blood glucose, and the association is partially mediated by oxidative stress.