The Effect of Air Pollution on DNA Oxidative Damage in the City Center Population of Tehran Compare to Residents in the North of Iran

Air pollution plays an important role in the development of some diseases such as cardio-vascular disorders and cancer. Previous studies have shown that air pollution is associated with an increase in the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which can lead to oxidative DNA damage. 8-Hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage associated with occupational and environmental exposures. Although many studies have demonstrated a correlation between air pollution and increased 8-OHdG، no study has been conducted in Tehran. Therefore، in the present study، 8-OHdG level as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage was examined in 40 subjects living in air polluted areas of Tehran and 40 office workers in the North of Iran. Samples were evaluated by ELISA assay. There was no significant difference in the level of 8-OHdG between the two groups (p=0. 5677). Some studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms of the genes involved in metabolism and detoxification، antioxidant and physical status and different physical activities can decrease or increase the 8-OHdG level. Moreover، it is better to conduct more in-depth studies with larger sample sizes to evaluate the correlation of air pollution and oxidative DNA damage and if possible، genetic background، antioxidant and physical status of individuals should be considered in future studies.