ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine radical-induced DNA damage and its elimination in workers exposed to quartz and in patients with silicosis, and to assess the relationship of these effects to lung function. METHODS: Blood and spontaneous urine samples were obtained from active, quartz-exposed workers without silicosis (n = 63), and from retired workers with silicosis (n = 42). Levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined in peripheral blood leukocyte DNA and urine, by the use of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra violet- (UV) and electrochemical detection. RESULTS: No significant differences in the mean levels of 8-OHdG in leukocyte DNA and of urinary excretion of 8-OHdG were found between silicosis patients and quartz-exposed healthy workers. However, in the group of silicosis patients with increased oxidative DNA damage the urinary excretion of 8-OHdG was lower than in the corresponding group of active workers without silicosis. In the case of silicosis, urinary 8-OHdG correlated positively, and 8-OHdG in DNA correlated negatively, with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Healthy workers with a personally estimated high dust exposure in the workplace showed higher levels of 8-OHdG in DNA than did workers with moderate dust exposure. No association of 8-OHdG formation and/or elimination with duration of employment, field of activity, smoking or age was found. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a less effective repair of 8-OHdG is associated with a higher degree of pulmonary airway obstruction in patients with silicosis.
