A dose-response study of arsenic exposure and markers of oxidative damage in Bangladesh.

Abstract

To evaluate the dose-response relationship between arsenic (As) exposure and markers of oxidative damage in Bangladeshi adults. We recruited 378 participants drinking water from wells assigned to five water As exposure categories; the distribution of subjects was as follows: (1) less than 10 μg/L (n=76); (2) 10 to 100 μg/L (n=104); (3) 101 to 200 μg/L (n=86); (4) 201 to 300 μg/L (n=67); and (5) more than 300 μg/L (n=45). Arsenic concentrations were measured in well water, as well as in urine and blood. Urinary 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine and plasma protein carbonyls were measured to assess oxidative damage. None of our measures of As exposure were significantly associated with protein carbonyl or 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. We found no evidence to support a significant relationship between long-term exposure to As-contaminated drinking water and biomarkers of oxidative damage among Bangladeshi adults.