Development of biomarkers to evaluate the exposure to atmospheric pollutants
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Suspended particulate matter in atmosphere and automobile exhaust contains
a number of carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs). We human beings are
exposed to carcinogens that are from various sources such as occupational
environment, diesel exhaust, tobacco smoke, and so on. It is easily imagined
that the exposure amount is different in each person, because there are
individual differences in lifestyle characteristics such as diet and smoking
and absorption, distribution and excretion in our body.
We are working on the development of biomarkers (biological markers) to
evaluate the correct and direct exposure to carcinogens such as PAHs and
NPAHs. Biomarker means the measurement of metabolites of the carcinogens
in tissues or body fluids. We have developed analytical methods for urinary
metabolites of PAHs and NPAHs, and found that the urinary metabolites will
become useful biomarkers. We have also found several biomarkers specific
to tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust.
The countries located in the Pan-Japan Sea area, especially China and
Russia are increasing their consumption of fossil fuel along with their
rapid development of industry and economy, and also have the serious problem
of air pollution. In this study, we are going to investigate the actual
conditions of PAH or NPAH exposure and the contribution of sources to the
exposure in those countries surrounding Japan Sea. It will be possible
to find our required points to reduce the exposure to carcinogens in our
working or life environment.
