Levels of p53 protein as biomarker in plasma of workers exposed to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of the p53 protein as biomarker in plasma of workers of a carbon anode plant exposed to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs). The exposed population consisted of 42 workers in the plant and a matched control group consisting of 43 office workers. Personal air sampling was performed to assess workers' atmospheric exposure to cPAHs. Blood and urine samples were taken to determine the plasma levels of the p53 protein using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses were performed. Occupational exposure to cPAHs in the exposed group ranged from 3.6 to 31.5 µg m⁻³. The mean level of 1-hydroxypyrene in the exposed group was significantly higher compared to the control group (6.3 ± 4.9 and 0.5 ± 0.5 µmol mol⁻¹ creatinine, respectively; p < 0.001). Mean plasma levels of the p53 protein in the exposed and control subjects were significantly different (2.2 ± 0.6 U mL⁻¹ and 1.7 ± 0.5 U mL⁻¹, respectively; p < 0.001). A correlation between p53 protein plasma level and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (r = 0.44, p = 0.01) was found. The p53 protein can serve as a biomarker of cPAHs exposure and effects; however, to evaluate the validity of this biomarker over time, long term follow up is required.