Health examination results and work environment factors affecting urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is considered to cause lifestyle‐related diseases, including cancer. Urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) is widely analyzed as an oxidative stress marker. We extensively scrutinized the relationships between 8‐OHdG levels and lifestyle choices as carcinogenic factors. METHODS: In this study, we investigated health examination results and working conditions affecting urinary 8‐OHdG levels in 503 male workers. RESULTS: The urinary 8‐OHdG level was positively associated with high blood sugar and leanness in smokers. In addition, urinary 8‐OHdG tended to increase with organic solvent or hydrochloric acid exposure, as well as long working hours. On the other hand, the urinary 8‐OHdG level was negatively associated with high plasma LDL‐cholesterol levels in non‐smokers and anemia. CONCLUSION: According to the results, anemia decreased the oxidative stress, regardless of smoking status, while leanness or high blood sugar increased the oxidative stress in smokers, and the presence of plasma cholesterol contributed to the lower oxidative stress in non‐smokers. Certain types of occupational exposure may cause oxidative stress. The measurement of urinary 8‐OHdG at annual health checks may be a useful biomarker for preventing lifestyle‐ and work‐related diseases.