Oxidative Stress and DNA Damages Induced by Occupational Exposure to Asbestos: A Systematic Review

Mirghani Seyed  Someah; Farideh  Golbabaei; Reza  Arjomandi; Farzam Babaei  Semiromi; Ali Mohammadi

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13400

Mirghani Seyed Someah Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Farideh Golbabaei Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Reza Arjomandi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Farzam Babaei Semiromi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Ali Mohammadi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13400

Keywords: Systematic review; Occupational exposure; Oxidative stress; DNA damage

Abstract

Background: Asbestos is one of the most important environmental and occupational carcinogens. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which asbestos fiber exposure causes chronic diseases are not fully understood. We performed the first systematic review on the epidemiological evidence to examine the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Methods: In this systematic review study, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for English-language publications. Eleven cross-sectional studies were included in the systematic review. A literature search was conducted by the main keywords including "Asbestos", "crocidolite", "chrysotile", "amphibole", "amosite", "Oxidative Stress", "DNA Damage", and "DNA injury". To evaluate the quality of studies, the "Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale" (NOS) was used.

Results: Overall, 1235 articles were achieved by searching in databases. Finally, by considering the inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were conducted for this study. These studies were published between 1986 and 2020. Oxidative stress and DNA damage can occur in exposure to asbestos. Among various biomarkers, 8-OHdG is the best. The analysis of 8-oxodG in asbestos workers can help identify subjects with a higher level of genotoxic damage.

Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that oxidative stress and DNA damage are two main outputs of asbestos exposure. Therefore, oxidative stress and DNA damage biomarkers can be used for identifying subjects at higher risk of cancer. These findings support policy initiatives aimed at detecting and eliminating asbestos fiber exposure and preventing potential health hazards in occupational settings.