Recent epidemiological studies suggest a strong association between exposure to environmental contaminants, including organochlorine (OC)
insecticides or their metabolites, and development of pathologies, such as
atherosclerosis, in which oxidative stress plays a significant etiological role.
Biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress have the potential to link production of
reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are formed as a result of exposure to
xenobiotic toxicants, and underlying pathophysiological states. Measurement of
F2-isoprostane concentrations in body fluids is the most accurate and sensitive method currently available for assessing in vivo steady-state oxidative stress levels. In the current study, urinary concentrations of
F2-isoprostanes and serum levels of persistent OC compounds p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (
DDE), trans-
nonachlor (a component of the technical
chlordane mixture), and
oxychlordane (a
chlordane metabolite) were quantified in a cross-sectional study sample and the association of these factors with a clinical diagnosis of
atherosclerosis determined. Urinary
isoprostane levels were not associated with
atherosclerosis or serum concentrations of OC compounds in this study sample. However, occurrence of
atherosclerosis was found to be associated with serum trans-
nonachlor levels.
DDE and
oxychlordane were not associated with
atherosclerosis. This finding supports current evidence that exposure to environmental factors is a risk factor for
atherosclerosis, in addition to other known risk factors.