Lipid peroxidation is enhanced in Yusho victims 35 years after accidental poisoning with polychlorinated biphenyls in Nagasaki, Japan

Thirty-five years have passed since the accidental poisoning with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in Japan and yet high concentrations of PCB are still detected in the serum of the victims. PCB produces superoxide and thus victims are considered to be in a persistent state of oxidative stress. Urinary concentrations of 8-isoprostane (81P) in the victims and age-matched controls were measured to assess this hypothesis. The mean urinary concentration of 81P was significantly higher than that in the controls. There was a positive correlation between urinary 81P and serum concentrations of cholinesterase. It was considered that Yusho is an oxidative stress and 81P is a useful tool for checking the oxidative condition in Yusho victims. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.