@article {Rynning10, author = {Iselin Rynning and Volker M Arlt and Kristyna Vrbova and Ji{\v r}{\'\i} Ne{\v c}a and Pavel Rossner Jr and Jiri Klema and Bente Ulvestad and Elisabeth Petersen and {\O}ivind Skare and Aage Haugen and David H Phillips and Miroslav Machala and Jan Topinka and Steen Mollerup}, title = {Bulky DNA adducts, microRNA profiles, and lipid biomarkers in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust}, volume = {76}, number = {1}, pages = {10--16}, year = {2019}, doi = {10.1136/oemed-2018-105445}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {Objectives This study aimed to assess the biological impact of occupational exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) including DE particles (DEP) from heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers (TFW).Methods TFW (n=69) and referents (n=69) were investigated for bulky DNA adducts (by 32P-postlabelling) and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) (by small RNA sequencing) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as circulating free arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosanoid profiles in plasma (by liquid chromatography{\textendash}tandem mass spectrometry).Results PBMC from TFW showed significantly higher levels of DNA adducts compared with referents. Levels of DNA adducts were also related to smoking habits. Seventeen miRNAs were significantly deregulated in TFW. Several of these miRNAs are related to carcinogenesis, apoptosis and antioxidant effects. Analysis of putative miRNA-gene targets revealed deregulation of pathways associated with cancer, alterations in lipid molecules, steroid biosynthesis and cell cycle. Plasma profiles showed higher levels of free AA and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and lower levels of prostaglandin D2 and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in TFW compared with referents.Conclusion Occupational exposure to DE/DEP is associated with biological alterations in TFW potentially affecting lung homoeostasis, carcinogenesis, inflammation status and the cardiovascular system. Of particular importance is the finding that tunnel finishing work is associated with an increased level of DNA adducts formation in PBMC.}, issn = {1351-0711}, URL = {https://oem.bmj.com/content/76/1/10}, eprint = {https://oem.bmj.com/content/76/1/10.full.pdf}, journal = {Occupational and Environmental Medicine} }