Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Industrial and Occupational Disease

Introduction: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of occupational and environmental concern as they are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects) and even are probable human carcinogens.Objective: To assess the health effects of occupational exposure to PAHs on DNA damage and oxidative stress. Methods: A group of 40 coal tar workers and another 40 matched control were subjected to full history and clinical examination,estimation of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyrene) level in urine, Benzopyrene-DNA adducts, oxidative stress enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase),Cytochrome P450 and Complete blood picture. Results: Statistically significant higher level of 1-OHPyrene, DNA adducts and lower levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were detected among the exposed workers compared to the control group. Conclusion: oxidative stress and DNA damage might be among the hazards that can be attributed to occupational exposure to PAHs among coal tar workers

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