ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of air pollution on oxidative stress indices(SOD,GSH-Px,MDA) in serum of traffic policemen. Methods From Jun to Aug,2007,sixty-two traffic policemen and thirty-five male suburban inhabitants were selected. The ambient concentrations of PM2.5,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) ,nitrogen dioxide,formaldehyde,benzene and toluene were monitored within two consecutive days in the work places of traffic policemen and in the residential areas of suburban inhabitants to assess their air pollution exposure levels. The activity of SOD,GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA in serum were determined with regent kits,while the information on smoking,drinking alcohol,exercising habit and so on was investigated by questionnaire. Results There were significant differences in the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide,formaldehyde,benzene and toluene between the two study groups. The average levels of PM2.5 and PAHs in the traffic policeman group were also higher than those in the control group,but this difference was not significant for small sample size. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the traffic policeman group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the difference of MDA concentration between the two groups was not significant. The relationship between air pollution and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px were also significant after controlling the influence of other factors. Conclusion Air pollution can decrease the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in serum of traffic policemen and induce oxidative stress.