Determination of air pollution-related biomarkers of exposure in urine of travellers between Germany and China using liquid chromatographic and liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric methods: a pilot study

Objective: The influence of different exposures to PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 μm) on the concentrations of biomarkers of exposure and oxidative stress should be investigated. For this purpose, urine samples from individuals travelling from Germany to China were collected and analysed. Materials: Robust LC and LC-MS/MS methods were established for the determination of biomarkers including 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, F2α-isoprostanes and hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. As a pilot study, nine volunteers travelled from Germany (mean daily concentration of PM2.5: 21 μg/m3) to China (mean daily concentration of PM2.5: 108 μg/m3). Urine samples were collected before and after the trip. Results: In samples collected after return to Germany, the median concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers were observed to be higher than in samples collected before leaving Germany. Decreasing trends were observed in the sequences of samples collected after return in the following weeks. Correlations were found between exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers. Conclusion: Travellers are ideal models for PM pollution-induced acute health effects study. Exposure to PM pollution can cause oxidative stress and damage.