Data from: Benzene exposure is associated with cardiovascular disease risk

Benzene is a ubiquitous, volatile pollutant present at high concentrations
in toxins (e.g. tobacco smoke) known to increase cardiovascular disease
(CVD) risk. Despite its prevalence, the cardiovascular effects of benzene
have rarely been studied. Hence, we examined whether exposure to benzene
is associated with increased CVD risk. The effects of benzene exposure in
mice were assessed by direct inhalation, while the effects of benzene
exposure in humans was assessed in 210 individuals with mild to high CVD
risk by measuring urinary levels of the benzene metabolite
trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA). Generalized linear models were used to
assess the association between benzene exposure and CVD risk. Mice
inhaling volatile benzene had significantly reduced levels of circulating
angiogenic cells (Flk-1+/Sca-1+) as well as an increased levels of plasma
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared with control mice breathing
filtered air. In the human cohort, urinary levels of t,t-MA were inversely
associated several populations of circulating angiogenic cells
(CD31+/34+/45+, CD31+/34+/45+/AC133–, CD34+/45+/AC133+). Although t,t-MA
was not associated with plasma markers of inflammation or thrombosis,
t,t-MA levels were higher in smokers and in individuals with dyslipidemia.
In smokers, t,t-MA levels were positively associated with urinary
metabolites of nicotine (cotinine) and acrolein (3-hydroxymercapturic
acid). Levels of t,t-MA were also associated with CVD risk as assessed
using the Framingham Risk Score and this association was independent of
smoking. Thus, benzene exposure is associated with increased CVD risk and
deficits in circulating angiogenic cells in both smokers and non-smokers.