Determination of urinary t-t muconic acid as biomarker of environmental benzene intake and its interference factors

摘要

The target of our study was the determination of urinary t,t muconic acid concentration, as a biomarker of benzene intake in a population. Urinary samples of 101 subjects, males and females were obtained to whom. Information regarding modification and confounding factors were recorded by questionnaire. The samples were analysed by HPLC, after extraction of trans,trans muconic acid on strong anionic exchange cartridges. In these analytical conditions the detection limit with good care is 10 #mu#g/l. A concentration range from 10 to 1300 #mu#g/l was found. High levels found in the population could explained by confounding factors present. The obtained results were correlated with sex, age and smoking or non smoking. There was a significant different in mean concentrations between heavy smokers (160 #mu#g/l) and no smokers (110 #mu#g/l), that showed tobacco as an interference factor. The study showed that it is strictly necessary carry out a thorough anamnesis before sampling with the objective of finding eventual interference factors such as smoking, diet and drugs taken.