Biomarkers can detect environmental exposure to pollutants before diseases develop

Kyrtopoulos, S. A.

Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece

Abstracted from:Staessen JA, Nawrot T, Den Hond E, Thijs L, Fagard R, Hoppenbrouwers K, Koppen G, Nelen V, Schoeteres G, Vanderschuetern D, Van Hecke E, Verschaeve L, Vlietink R, Roes HA. Renal function, cytogenetic measurements, and sexual development in adolescents in relation to environmental pollutants: a feasibility study of biomarkers. Lancet 2001; 357: 1660-1669 .

Evidence-based Healthcare 6(1):p 9, March 2002.

BACKGROUND

Pollutants in the air, water and soil can be measured using environmental monitoring. Extrapolating human exposure from environmental monitoring is difficult due to individual variations in absorption, distribution and excretion. Time delays and contamination from multiple sources are possible. Pollutant concentrations may be measurable in blood, tissues and urine (biomarkers).

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether biomarkers in adolescents can detect exposure to common environmental pollutants.

SETTING

Belgium, 1999.

METHOD

Cross-sectional observation.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred 17-year-olds (60% female) who were lifelong residents of either a rural area or suburbs with lead smelter and waste incinerator pollution.

OUTCOMES

Biomarkers of exposure to environmental pollutants including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.

ANALYSIS

Blood and urine samples, testicular volume and staged sexual maturation were compared in rural and 'polluted' groups.

MAIN RESULTS

Exposure to toxins was within standards. Those who lived in 'polluted' areas had higher blood concentrations of lead and cadmium, dioxin-like compounds in serum and urine metabolites of volatile organic compounds.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers can detect environmental exposure to pollutants and may be able to predict disease development.