Evaluation of DNA Damage in Traffic Cops Exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution in Baghdad City Streets and its Association to Certain Biomarkers

Abstract

Objectives: To find out the extent to which the genetic material of Baghdad traffic policemen is affected by the oxidative damage caused by pollutants by monitoring the levels of 8-OHdG compared to the levels of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde. Methods: This study includes 140 participants; they have been divided into two groups (traffic police and office police). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed for each participant by GC/FID while 8-OHdG and antioxidant enzymes were measured by the ELISA technique. Results: The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 8-Oxo-dG, and malondialdehyde were elevated in the blood of the traffic police compared to the office police, while higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were observed in the blood of the office police.  Conclusion: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbones can cause oxidative stress through their metabolic derivatives and the resulting active molecules, which lead to the formation of 8-Oxo-dG and the reduction of enzymatic antioxidants, which may lead to the emergence of cancers.