ABSTRACT:
Background: Benzo [a] pyrene is considered a classic DNA-damaging carcinogen and is a lead compound of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.B [a] Pis metabolically activated by cytochrome P450 enzymes to formation electrophilic metabolites such as epoxides. These epoxides might bind to DNA and produce DNA-adducts. ELISA method is used for determination of DNA adducts of benzo [a] pyrenediolepoxide (BPDE). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate exposure to B [a] P in asphalt plant workers by measuring the BPDE-DNA adducts in their peripheral white blood cells (WBC), which are considered biological markers for exposure risk assessment. MaterialandMethods: In this study, the levels of BPDE-DNA adducts were measured in DNA samples of WBC obtained from asphalt plant workers in Syria and compared to those measured from a control group. The measurement was performed using BPDE-DNA Adducts ELISA kit. The sample size was determined to be 50 with 25 asphalt plant workers and 25 healthy volunteers with no occupational exposure to Benzo [a] pyrene. Results: BPDE-DNA adducts were detected in WBC of 11 asphalt plant workers with concentrations ranging between 0 and 2.75 ng/ml and only one individual in the control group with concentration of 0.75 ng/ml. These results indicate a significant positive relationship betweenexposure toB [a] P through the bitumen fumes (working in asphalt plant) and formation of BPDE-DNA adducts. Conclusions: BPDE-DNA adducts area potential biomarker for PAHs exposure and likely helpful indicator of PAH-induced DNA damage.