Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Association between urinary trans,trans-muconic acid and diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis of data from Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017): Eun Hye Yang, Do Jin Nam, Hyo Choon Lee, Soon Su Shin, Jae-Hong Ryoo; Ann Occup Environ Med 2021;33:e35. Published online December 6, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2021.33.e35

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background

Benzene is a ubiquitous air pollutant that is well known to cause hematopoietic effects in humans including leukemia. Recently, several studies have discussed its non-carcinogenic effects such as diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between diabetes and urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA), one of benzene metabolite, using adult data from Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017).

Methods

This study analyzed 3,777 adults (1,645 men and 2,132 women) from the KoNEHS cycle 3 (2015–2017). The distribution and fraction of each independent variable were presented separately according to the urinary benzene metabolite levels (t,t-MA quartiles) and diabetes to determine the general characteristics of the subjects. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression after stratification by gender and smoking status to identify the association between urinary t,t-MA and diabetes.

Results

Compared with the first quartile (reference), the risk of diabetes significantly increased above the 4th (1.834 [1.107–3.039]) quartile in men and above the 3rd (1.826 [1.095–3.044]) and 4th (2.243 [1.332–3.776]) quartiles in women after adjustment. Stratified analysis based on smoking revealed that the ORs for the 3rd (1.847 [1.146–2.976]) and 4th (1.862 [1.136–3.052]) quartiles in non-smokers and those for the 2nd (1.721 [1.046–2.832]), 3rd (1.797 [1.059–3.050]), and 4th (2.546 [1.509–4.293]) quartiles in smokers were significantly higher.

Conclusions

We confirmed that urinary t,t-MA is significantly associated with diabetes regardless of gender and smoking status. And further studies are necessary to access the clinical impacts of this findings.

소변 내 뮤콘산 농도와 당뇨의 연관성 : 제 3기 국민환경보건기초조사(2015-2017)를 이용한 단면연구
목적
본 연구는 일반인구집단을 대상으로 환경적인 벤젠 노출과 당뇨와의 연관성을 알아보기 위해 제 3기 국민환경보건기초조사 성인 데이터를 이용하여 벤젠 대사물질 중 하나인 소변 내 뮤콘산의 농도와 당뇨와의 관계를 알아보았다.
방법
제 3기 국민환경보건기초조사 성인 3,777명(남성 1,645명, 여성 2,132명)을 분석하였다. 대상자의 일반적인 특성을 확인하기 위해 각 독립변수의 분포 및 분율을 소변 내 뮤콘산 농도(사분위수)와 당뇨유무에 따라 제시하였다. 소변 내 뮤콘산 농도와 당뇨와의 연관성을 알아보기 위해 성별과 흡연으로 각각 층화 후 로지스틱 회귀분석을 사용하여 오즈비를 구하였다.
결과
보정 후, 남성은 제 4사분위 구간 1.834(1.106-3.039), 여성은 제 3사분위 구간 1.825(1.095-3.044), 제 4사분위 구간 2.241(1.331-3.773)에서 오즈비가 유의하게 증가하였으며, 소변 내 뮤콘산 농도가 증가할수록 당뇨위험이 증가하는 경향성을 보였다. 흡연으로 층화 후 분석한 결과 비흡연자의 경우 제 3분위수 1.847(1.146-2.976), 제 4분위수 1.861(1.135-3.050), 흡연자의 경우 제 2분위수 1.721(1.046-2.832), 제 3분위수 1.796(1.058-3.048), 제 4분위수 2.544(1.509-4.291)가 보정 후 통계적으로 유의하였다.
결론
본 연구에서 벤젠 대사체인 소변 내 뮤콘산 농도가 성별과 흡연 상태에 관계없이 당뇨와 유의하게 관련이 있다는 것을 확인하였으며, 추후 환경적인 벤젠 노출에 대한 당뇨 연관성에 대하여 연구가 필요하다.

Citations

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Association Between Benzene and Other Volatile Organic Compounds Exposure and Diabetes Mellitus Among Korean Adults: Findings from the Nationwide Biomonitoring Data
Seong-Uk Baek, Minseo Choi, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Exposure and Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Distribution of volatile organic compounds by distance from industrial complexes and potential health impact on the residents
A Ram Kim, Jin-Hee Bang, Sunghee Lee, Chang Sun Sim, Yangho Kim, Jiho Lee
International Journal of Environmental Health Research.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Association of Urinary Benzene Metabolite and the Ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2018–2020)
Seungju Baek, Eunjung Park, Eun Young Park
Toxics.2023; 11(12): 985. CrossRef
Exploration of an Area with High Concentrations of Particulate Matter and Biomonitoring Survey of Volatile Organic Compounds among the Residents
Hyunji Ju, Seungho Lee, Jae-Hee Min, Yong-Sik Hwang, Young-Seoub Hong
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2023; 49(6): 344. CrossRef
Association of metabolites of benzene and toluene with lipid profiles in Korean adults: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015–2017)
Soon Su Shin, Eun Hye Yang, Hyo Choon Lee, Seong Ho Moon, Jae-Hong Ryoo
BMC Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

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Review

A brief review of relationship between occupational benzene exposure and hematopoietic cancer: Jin-Ha Yoon, Woo Seok Kwak, Yeon-Soon Ahn; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:33. Published online May 10, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0245-9

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We reviewed articles to clarify the current evidence status for 1) types of cancer which related to benzene exposure, and 2) certain benzene exposure level which might cause the hematopoietic cancers. Hematopoietic function of the bone marrow is involved in the production of all blood cells types. The benzene metabolites including benzoquinone and mucoaldehyde affect hematopoietic stem cells as well as differentiation steps of progenitor cells for each blood cell. Hence, we concluded that benzene was associated with all lymphohematic carcinogenesis. First, it is supported by biological plausibility. Second, it is supported by meta-analysis although sing study did not show relationship due to lack of sample size or statistical power. More recent studies show lesser exposed level related to risk of cancer, compare to past studies did. Actually, early studies show the risk of malignancies in workers who exposed more than 200 ppm-years. However, only 0.5 to 1 ppm-year benzene exposed show significant linking to risk of malignancies in recent study. As reviewed research articles, we concluded that the relatively lower exposure level, such as 0.5–1 ppm-year, will be considering at risk of hematopoietic cancer. However, more research needs to be done on dose-response analysis.

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Case Report

Two Cases of Methemoglobinemia Induced by the Exposure to Nitrobenzene and Aniline: Chang Hwan Lee, Soo Hyeon Kim, Do Hyung Kwon, Keun Ho Jang, Yong Hoon Chung, Jai Dong Moon; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:31-31. Published online November 1, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-31

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objective

To report two cases of methemoglobinemia induced by inhaled nitrobenzene and dermally absorbed aniline.

Methods

We have evaluated a 37-year-old male worker exposed to nitrobenzene by inhalation while conducting maintenance job of mononitrobenzene pump and a 25-year-old male worker exposed dermally to aniline while unloading.

Results

The first case is a 37-year-old male exposed to nitrobenzene. His blood methemoglobin concentration level was initially 19.8%, and chest X-ray was normal. After oxygen therapy, the blood methemoglobin concentration level decreased to 2.1%, and the symptoms were alleviated. The second case is a 25-year-old male exposed dermally to aniline. His chest X-ray was normal, but blood methemoglobin concentration level reached maximally 46.8%. He was treated with methylene blue due to relatively high blood methemoglobin level. Gradually after the treatment, his methemoglobin concentration level was normalized to 0.8% and simultaneously symptoms were resolved.

Conclusions

After the thorough exposure investigations and medical evaluations, we have concluded that these cases were methemoglobinemia induced by occupational exposure to nitrobenzene and aniline. We suggest that businesses which handle methemoglobinemia-causing substances control the engineering process strictly, implement periodic screening, and establish emergency patient management system.

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Original Article

Urinary Hippuric Acid and trans,trans-Muconic Acid Levels According to Commuting Mode and Duration, Residential Environment, and Intake of Preservative-Added Foods and Beverages in University Students: Kyoung Mee Kim, Sang Yong Eom, Dong Hyuk Yim, Sun In Moon, Yong Dae Kim, Heon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(1):61-71. Published online March 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.1.61

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Automobile exhaust gases contain benzene and toluene, which are excreted in human urine as trans,trans-muconic acid and hippuric acid, respectively. Sorbic acid and benzoic acid, used as food preservatives, are also metabolized into trans,trans-muconic acid and hippuric acid in the human body. The purpose of this study is to estimate the level of benzene and toluene exposure according to the commuting mode and duration, residential environment, and preservative-added foods intake in university students who are not occupationally exposed to benzene or toluene.
METHODS
Spot urine samples were collected from 211 university students who had no occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds. Information about their smoking history, residence type, traffic environments, commuting mode and duration, and their intake of bottled or canned food or beverages was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Urinary concentrations of trans,trans-muconic acid and hippuric acid were measured and statistically correlated to the individual's life style factors.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the urinary concentrations of trans,trans-muconic acid or hippuric acid according to the smoking history. Mean urinary concentration of hippuric acid in females was higher than that found in males. Subjects living in districts with a population density of 1,000~4,999 people/km2 showed the highest urinary hippuric acid level; individuals living in cities of 5,000~9,999 people/km2 population density were next. The mean urinary trans,trans-muconic acid concentration was higher in students who were living where traffic jams are common compared to those who did not, and in subjects whose residence were within 149 m from a 4-lane road compared to those whose residence was not. However, neither mode nor duration of the commute showed any effect on the urinary trans,trans-muconic acid or hippuric acid concentrations of the students. Urinary hippuric acid levels increased when consuming canned fruit or canned coffee, and urinary trans,trans-muconic acid levels increased when consuming fruit juices or pickled radishes.
CONCLUSIONS
The inhalation of vehicle exhaust and the ingestion of canned or pickled food may increase urinary hippuric acid and trans,trans-muconic acid levels in individuals who are not occupationally exposed to benzene or toluene.

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Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2024; 50(1): 25. CrossRef
Association of Urinary Benzene Metabolite and the Ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2018–2020)
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(1): 104. CrossRef

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Original Article

The Association between Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid as a Biomarker for Benzene Exposure and the Platelet Count: Young Sun Min, Kuck Hyun Woo, Jin Seok Kim, Jay Young Yoo, Kwan Lee, Hyun Sul Lim, Heon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(2):95-101. Published online June 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.2.95

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: Recent researches suggest that trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) would be an adequate metabolic biomarker for low-level benzene exposure. Few study have investigated the association between the t,t-MA and platelet count, and this is the primary aim of this study.
METHODS
From May 2004 to June 2004, 326 chemical factory workers took part in a questionnaire survey and they underwent urinary t,t-MA and CBC assessment. The questionnaire covered general aspects of health and the occupational and smoking histories. Statistical analyses of outcomes were performed using SPSS 14.0 for Windows.
RESULTS
The subjects' urinary t,t-MA concentration (geometric mean and geometric standard deviation) was 0.28 mg/g creatinine (2.62). No significant differences between different occupations among the chemical workers were found. The urinary t,t-MA concentrations in the smokers and non-smokers were 0.32 mg/g creatinine (2.44) and 0.25 mg/g creatinine (2.77) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the platelet count based on occupation and the smoking history. There was significant correlation between log(platelet) and log(t,t-MA)(r=-0.116 p=0.039). The regression equation log(platelet) = -0.002xAge + [-0.029xlog(t,t-MA)] + 2.436, R2=0.032, was calculated from linear regression analysis with log(platelet) as the dependent variable. Cross-tabulation between 2 subgroups that were divided by the 90-percentile level of the t,t-MA (0.819 mg/g creatinine), and 2 subgroups that were divided by the 10-percentile level of the platelet count (175,000) was conducted. Higher distribution in subgroup with platelet count below 175,000 was demonstrated in the subgroup with a urinary t,t-MA above the 90-percentile, with an odds ratio of 3.01.
CONCLUSIONS
The study may be limited by not taking into account factors such as smoking quantity and sorbic acid, which may confound urinary the t,t-MA concentration as well as medication and infection that may affect the platelet count. Yet it is meaningful that the correlation between the urinary t,t-MA concentration and the platelet count was found through linear regression analysis and the chi-square test, and further, this outcome may be used as a basis for a study to establish the acceptable limit of urinary t,t-MA in Korea.

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Original Article

Change of Urinary Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid before and after Turnaround Process in a Petrochemical Plant: Seung Hyun Kim, Ji Ung Park, Jai Dong Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(4):335-342. Published online December 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.4.335

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to estimate the exposure to benzene, one of the most serious health hazards, in four phases of a turnaround in a petrochemical company, and to evaluate the suitability of trans,trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) to act as a biomarker of exposure to low benzene levels.
METHODS
tt-MA was determined in 152 urine samples collected in 4 phases ('before daily work', 'after daily work', 'purge', and 'inspection' of turnaround work) from 19 exposed workers involved in turnaround work and 19 clerical workers. The ambient benzene levels were monitored simultaneously during the 'purge' process of turnaround work in the exposed group.
RESULTS
The median urinary tt-MA for the 4 phases was 0.046 mg/L, 0.082 mg/L, 0.507 mg/L, and 0.468 mg/L in the exposed group and 0.050 mg/L, 0.065 mg/L, 0.269 mg/L, and 0.331 mg/L in the clerical workers, respectively. The median urinary tt-MA for the exposed group was significantly higher than that of the clerical workers during the purge process (P<0.05). In the exposed group, median urinary tt-MA for the 'before daily work' phase was significantly lower than that of the other three phases (P<0.05). Even in the clerical workers, the urinary tt-MA level for the 'before daily work' phase was significantly lower than that of the turnaround (P<0.05). There was a very significant correlation between urinary tt-MA levels and ambient benzene levels (r(s) = 0.795, P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
The turnaround process increased the benzene exposure for all workers, even the clerical workers, in a petrochemical company handling benzene. Urinary tt-MA was found to be suitable as a biomarker for the exposure to low-level benzene.

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Safety and Health at Work.2015; 6(3): 174. CrossRef
The Relationship between Exposure to Benzene and the Excretion of Urinary Trans, Trans-muconic Acid in Petrochemical Factory Turnaround Process Workers
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2014; 24(1): 52. CrossRef

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Original Article

Occupational Malignant Lymphohematopoietic Diseases Compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance from 1996 to 2005: Yeon Soon Ahn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(2):81-92. Published online June 30, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.2.81

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To analyze the characteristics of malignant occupational lymphohematopoietic diseases compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the KLWC database, we surveyed 50 cases of malignant occupational lymphohematopoietic diseases that received compensation during the 10 years between 1996 and 2005, inclusive. We analyzed the characteristics of occupational diseases using the KLWC electronic data and the epidemiologic data investigated by the Industrial Safety and Health Institute of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
RESULTS
KLWC approved 50 cases, including 12 deaths (24.0%). Men accounted for 94.0% of the approved cases. The most common age group was 40~49 years of age (36.0%). The most common size of enterprise was larger than 1,000 workers (20.0%). The most common lymphohematopoietic disease was myeloid leukemia (21 cases, 40.0%), followed by lymphoid leukemia and aplastic anemia (7 cases, 14%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (6 cases, 12.0%). The mean working duration was 15.1 years and the most common decade was 10~19 years (48.0%). The mean latency was 15.5 years and the most common decade was 10~19 years (44.0%). The causal hazardous agents were benzene (43 cases, 86.0%), ionizing radiation (4 cases, 8.0%), and chemotherapeutics (1 case, 2.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the kinds of occupational malignant lymphohematopoietic diseases and the characteristics of workers through this study. Benzene exposure sources emitted from cokeoven and foundry were very important findings that had not been identified in previous studies. The KLWC compensation received by several cases of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the results for which were not consistently related to benzene exposure, was relevant data to decide the work-relatedness of lymphohematopoietic diseases of workers exposed to benzene.

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Original Article

Effect of Toluene on Phenol and S-phenylmercapturic Acid Excretion as Urinary Metabolites of Benzene in Rats: Jong Kook Moon, Chi Nyon Kim, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):143-153. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.143

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to provide accurate exposure evaluation of workers in a biologicallymonitored state who were simultaneously exposed to benzene and toluene. For the purpose of this study, an animal experiment was conducted.
METHODS
The following concentrations of solvents were administered orally to Sprague-Dawley rats : benzene at 2.26 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 2.5 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-ShortTerm Exposure Limit, in the USA) and 9.02 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 10 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-TimeWeighted Average in Korea), simultaneously with toluene at 106.42 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 100 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-TimeWeighted RESULTS: The following results were obtained from the analysis of reading taken at 3hour intervals of S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and phenol concentration in urine metabolites of benzene after oral administration for 30 hours. 1. The concentrations of phenol and SPMA in urine were markedly decreased in the initial phase of the mixed group (both benzene and toluene administered group) as compared with the benzeneonly administered group, and the concentrations were slightly elevated. 2. The total excreted amounts of phenol and SPMA in urine decreased in the mixed group compared with the benzene-only group, and these decreases were more remarkable at the benzene administration concentration of 9.02 mg/kg than at 2.26 mg/kg. 3. The urinary excretions of phenol and SPMA were delayed in the case of the mixed group, and the extent of the delay was dependent on the amount of benzene administrat CONCLUSIONS: Benzene metabolism was suppressed by toluene, and hence the excretion of phenol and SPMA as urinary metabolites of benzene was delayed. This result will have applications in the interpretation of results from future biological monitoring of workers exposed to mixed solvents. We should not underestimate the importance of carefully interpreting the results of biological monitoring data when workers are exposed to mixed solvents. We should not underestimate the importance of carefully interpreting the results of biological monitoring data when workers are exposed to mixed benzene and toluene.

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Case Report

Aplastic Anemia in a Petrochemical Plant Worker: Young Mann Baak, Yong Hyu Choi, Seong Kyu Kang, Ji Hong Kim, Kyoung Ah Kim, Young Lim, Joung Wook Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):287-292. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.287

Abstract PDF: Aplastic anemia is characterized by pancytopenia with hypocellular bone marrow. Fifty percent of the cases are idiopathic and the rest are caused by various agents including drugs, chemicals, radiation and viruses. It is difficult to link specific etiologic agents, especially chemicals to the development of aplastic anemia because multiple or unknown exposures may be involved in. Benzene, a common industrial chemical and a component of gasoline, may lead progressively to pancytopenia, aplastic anemia and leukemia when exposed. A petrochemical worker with aplastic anemia was referred to our hospital to evaluate a relationship between the job history and the disease. He worked in the petrochemical plant for .21 years and was exposed to low-level benzene. There was not any other etiologic agent except benzene and this is the case report of aplastic anemia which possibly due to benzene exposure.

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