Glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels among junior high school students induced by indoor particulate matter 2.5 (PM(2.5)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) exposure

Background: Indoor air pollution has globally known as the risk factor of acute respiratory infection in young children. The exposure to indoor particulate matter 2.5 (PM(2.5)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) at house or school can be a potential risk to children’s health. This study aimed to examine the association between indoor PM(2.5) and NO(2) with oxidative stress markers in junior high school students. Design and methods: This study was conducted using a cross sectional study with 75 students collected randomly from four junior high schools in Jakarta. PM(2.5) and NO(2) were measured in classrooms and school yards. The schools were categorized based on the exposure level of PM(2.5) and NO(2) in classrooms. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were examined from the blood sample. All students were interviewed with questionnaires to determine upper respiratory tract infection, smoking family members, mosquito repellent usage, and dietary supplement consumption. Results: Mean concentration of indoor PM(2.5) and NO(2) were 0.125±0.036 mg m(-3) and 36.37±22.33 μg m(-3), respectively. The schools which located near to highway showed lower PM(2.5) and higher NO(2) level indicated the emission of traffic activity. Mean activity of SOD was 96.36±50.94 U mL(-1) and mean concentration of GSH was of 0.62±0.09 μg mL(-1). Most of the students reported upper respiratory tract infection history, smoking family member, use mosquito repellent at home, and do not consume dietary supplement. Conclusions: The level of oxidative stress markers and the exposure categories of classroom PM(2.5) and NO(2) was not significantly different, however there were significant correlation with cigarette smoke and mosquito repellent at home. Nevertheless, the exposure of indoor PM(2.5) and NO(2) increased the risk of the exposure to cigarette smoke and mosquito repellent at home. Further study on the air pollution at school and home is needed to affirm association towards student’s health and to design strategic control efforts.