Gonadotoxicity induced by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in engine repair workshops

ABSTRACT

This study has documented the gonadotoxic effect of exposure to hydrocarbons in workers of diesel and petrol engine repair workshops as measured by urinary 1-hydroxypyrene [1-OHP], semen analysis study and annexine-V bioassay. Twenty workers exposed to hydrocarbons in diesel and petrol engine repair workshops were included in this study. They showed nearly six-fold increase in 1-OHP excretion [the most reliable indicator for PAHs exposure] as compared with the control group [20 males of the workers' relatives of matched age and socioeconomic standard]. The study revealed a significant correlation between the relative number of sperm cells that expressed PS [annexine-V positive cells] and duration of exposure to hydrocarbons, low sperm count, diminished motility and the urinary 1-OHP levels of the exposed workers. This study recommended biomonitoring of urinary excretion of 1-OHP in workers exposed to hydrocarbons as a screening test and to use the annexine-V binding assay as an early measure of gonadotoxicity induced by toxic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons