Enhancement of oxidative stress, oxidative dna damage and lowered pefr in gasoline station attendants in calabar metropolis

Exposure to gasoline fumes through inhalation or accidental ingestion has been associated with chronic inflammatory reactions leading to oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage and increased risk of chronic lung conditions and cancer. This study assessed the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxides (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI)), oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), 1-hydroxypyrene and urine creatinine in Gasoline Station Attendants. A total of 100 consenting adults, aged 18-60 years, comprising 50 gasoline station attendants and 50 non-gasoline station attendants (controls) were enrolled into this comparative cross-sectional study. The PEFR was determined using the peak flow meter, TAC, TPP and creatinine by colorimetry, 8-OHdG by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP) by high performance liquid chromatography and OSI by calculation. Data was analysed using unpaired Student t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis at p<0.05. The body mass index, TPP, OSI and 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher and TAC and PEFR lower in gasoline pump attendants compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between TPP and years at work (r=0.638, p=0.000), between TPP and OSI (r=0.282, p=0.047) and negative correlation between TAC and OSI (r=-0.555, p=0.000) only in gasoline station attendants. Exposure to gasoline is associated with increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage, reduced lung function and depletion of antioxidants which may result in oxidative stress and increased risk for the development of chronic lung conditions in gasoline station attendants.