The association between urinary levels of 1,3-butadiene metabolites, cardiovascular risk factors, microparticles, and oxidative stress products in adolescents and young adults

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a synthetic colorless gas used in the production of synthetic rubber and polymers. Exposure to BD has been reported to increase oxidative stress and accelerate atherosclerosis in vitro and in animal studies. In occupational studies, BD exposure has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no previous research has been reported on whether BD exposure is associated with CVD risk factors and oxidative stress in the general population. We recruited 853 young participants to study the correlation between urinary levels of the BD metabolite, N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (DHBMA), CVD risk factors, serum levels of endothelial microparticles and platelet microparticles, and the urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The results showed the DHBMA levels were positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein-C, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), CD31+/CD42a - counts (endothelial apoptosis markers), and urinary 8-OHdG levels. Moreover, DHBMA levels were negatively correlated with CD62 P counts (platelet activation marker). The correlation between DHBMA, CIMT, and 8-OHdG was more evident when the levels of CD31+/CD42a - or CD62 P were above 50%. In conclusion, we reported that the urinary levels of DHBMA were associated with the lipid profile, CIMT, microparticles, and marker of oxidative stress in this young population. Future studies on BD exposure and atherosclerosis are needed.