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Abstract Introduction The current evidence on nanomaterial (NM) toxicity is mostly derived from experimental studies making it challenging to translate it into human health risks. We established an international cohort of 141 workers within the EU-LIFE project “NanoExplore” to address possible health effects from occupational NM exposures. Methods We used a handheld direct-reading optical particle counter to measure airborne nanoparticle number concentrations (PNC) and lung-deposited surface areas (LDSAs). We assessed oxidative/nitrosative stress with a panel of biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine), inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10) and KL-6 (considered as biomarker of fibrosis) and urine (total antioxidant power (TAP), 8-isoprostane, and malondialdehyde). Exhaled breath sampled in gas-sampling bags were assessed for oxidative potential. Biomarkers were quantified pre-shift at the beginning of the workweek and post-shift either the 2nd or 4th day. Relationships between airborne nanoparticle concentration and biomarkers were assessed by multiple linear regression with log-transformed exposure and biomarker concentrations adjusted for potential confounders. Results A positive relationship for IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α with both PNC and LDSA and a significant negative association between PNC and TAP were observed. Discussion NM exposures can affect the oxidative balance and the innate immunity in workers. However, owing to the intrinsic variability of biomarkers, these changes along with their health significance should be assessed in a long-term perspective study. Conclusion This study contributed to improve evidence regarding NM exposure and risks to human health.
Irina Guseva Canu (Mon,) studied this question.