Objective: We studied the impact of chlorinated agents exposure on exhaled breath condensate (EBC) biomarkers in cleaners.
Methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), nitrites (NO2(-)), nitrates (NO3(-)), pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ammonium (NH3(+)) were tested in EBC of 40 cleaners and 40 non-exposed controls. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and soluble type II receptor of IL-1 (sIL-1RII) were analyzed also in plasma.
Results: Levels of MDA-EBC, 4-HNE-EBC and NO3(-)-EBC were higher, while pH-EBC values were lower, in cleaners. MDA-EBC was associated with 4-HNE-EBC, NO3(-)-EBC and pH. 4-HNE-EBC correlated with PTX3.
Conclusion: Professional exposure to chlorinated agents increases EBC biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Keywords: Biological effect markers; Pentraxin-3; cleaners; exhaled breath condensate; soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II.