PAH exposure is associated with enhanced risk for pediatric dyslipidemia through serum SOD reduction

Abstract

Background: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism, but evidence regarding PAHs as risk factors for dyslipidemia is lacking. Objective: To investigate the respective role and interaction of PAH exposure and antioxidant consumption in the risk for pediatric dyslipidemia. Methods: We measured the concentrations of serum lipids, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and urinary hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) in 403 children, of which 203 were from an e-waste-exposed area (Guiyu) and 200 were from a reference area (Haojiang). Biological interactions were calculated by additive models. Results: Guiyu children had higher serum triglyceride concentration and dyslipidemia incidence, and lower serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) than Haojiang children. Elevated OH-PAH concentration, and concomitant SOD reduction, were both associated with lower HDL concentration and higher hypo-HDL risk (∑3OH-Phes: B for lgHDL = −0.048, P < 0.01; OR for hypo-HDL = 3.708, 95% CI: 1.200, 11.453; SOD: BT3 for lgHDL = 0.061, P < 0.01; ORT3 for hypo-HDL = 0.168, 95% CI: 0.030, 0.941; all were adjusted for confounders). Biological interaction between phenanthrol exposure and SOD reduction was linked to dyslipidemia risk (RERI = 2.783, AP = 0.498, S = 2.537). Children with both risk factors (higher ∑3OH-Phes and lower SOD) had 5.594-times (95% CI: 1.119, 27.958) the dyslipidemia risk than children with neither risk factors (lower ∑3OH-Phes and higher SOD). Conclusion: High PAH exposure combined with SOD reduction is recommended for predicting elevated risk for pediatric dyslipidemia. Risk assessment of PAH-related dyslipidemia should take antioxidant concentration into consideration.

Keywords

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
• Pediatric dyslipidemia
• Antioxidant
• Biological interaction
• E-waste