New aspects in the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to styrene

Objective: Based on our previous studies we analysed DNA and haemoglobin adducts, single-strand breaks in DNA, chromosomal aberrations and HPRT mutant frequencies in styrene-exposed workers, in relation to employment time, with respect to markers of individual susceptibility. In our study the risk assessment of genotoxic styrene in occupationally exposed humans is reviewed in the light of adaptation and/or population selection. Various styrene-induced DNA adducts (representing important integral measures of DNA damage) are discussed as potential powerful biomarkers of styrene exposure, with respect to DNA repair. Methods: The complexity of followed markers required multiple methodological approaches, including modified P-32-post-labelling assay, PCR-based methods for genotyping, cytogenetic analysis, T-cell cloning assay, comet assay and tests for DNA repair capacity, and statistical tests. Results: Haemoglobin and DNA adducts, single-strand breaks in DNA, chromosomal aberrations and mutant frequencies at the HPRT gene were assessed with respect to the duration of exposure. No apparent accumulation of these biomarkers was found to be dependent on the years of employment, suggesting that adaptive processes play a role in chronically exposed workers. Statistically significant differences between the exposed and control individuals were found for the deduced epoxide hydrolase activity (P=0.041) and the frequency of heterozygous Ala/Val genotype in GSTP1, exon 5 (P=0.025). Significantly increased DNA repair capacity was found in styrene-exposed laminators compared with control individuals. Conclusions: In the light of present knowledge well-designed population studies on styrene genotoxicity are needed. Such studies should cover important areas of individual susceptibility (metabolising and repair enzymes, distributions of genetic polymorphisms) and possible role of adaptation, as well as the crucial role of DNA repair. Additionally, genotoxic effects of in-vivo formed 3,4-styrene oxide should be also addressed.