Chromatographic analysis of methyl hippuric acid metabolite in the urine of petroleum workers and evaluation of cytogenetic changes of epithelial cells in buccal mucosa smears

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Millions of workers in various occupational settings face potential exposure to hazardous substances, including a wide array of compounds found in petroleum derivatives. Among these compounds, toluene and xylene are prominent examples known for their genotoxic properties. Toluene and xylene, both belonging to the aromatic compound family, give rise to the main metabolic byproducts of hippuric acid, (o, p, m) methyl hippuric acid. Methods: HPLC approach is used to analyze the urine of petroleum workers who are exposed to toluene and xylene to assess their concentrations of the metabolites. Hippuric acid and (o, p, m) Methyl hippuric acid. The micronucleus assay of buccal mucosa smears can be used to evaluate the genotoxic effects of these exposures in petroleum workers. Occupational exposure to petroleum and its derivatives may cause DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities in buccal mucosa cells, indicating a potential increased risk of cancer and other health effects. Results: The Method was developed for Hippuric acid and (o, p, m) Methyl hippuric acid of urinary samples of petroleum workers. The urinary HA, (o, p, m) MHA levels in cases were found to be 26.042 µg/ml with standard deviation value is 12.38. The study focused to examine the cellular alterations in exfoliated oral epithelial cells, particularly cytomorphometry and micronuclei, which were examined using PAP-stained smear to determine the existence of micronuclei. Conclusions: The urinary HA, (o, p, m) MHA levels were highly significant and the prevalence of the condition was found to be greater among petroleum workers compared to the control population. It is observed that more micro nuclei were found in buccal mucosa of petroleum workers than control subjects. Hence it is suspected to induce toxicity in petroleum workers.