A Dose-Response Study of Arsenic Exposure and Markers of Oxidative Damage in Bangladesh

Objective: To evaluate the dose-response relationship between arsenic (As) exposure and markers of oxidative damage in Bangladeshi adults. Methods: We recruited 378 participants drinking water from wells assigned to five water As exposure categories; the distribution of subjects was as follows: (1) less than 10 mu g/L (n=76); (2) 10 to 100 mu g/L (n=104); (3) 101 to 200 mu g/L (n=86); (4) 201 to 300 mu g/L (n=67); and (5) more than 300 mu g/L (n=45). Arsenic concentrations were measured in well water, as well as in urine and blood. Urinary 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine and plasma protein carbonyls were measured to assess oxidative damage. Results: None of our measures of As exposure were significantly associated with protein carbonyl or 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. Conclusions: We found no evidence to support a significant relationship between long-term exposure to As-contaminated drinking water and biomarkers of oxidative damage among Bangladeshi adults.