Oxidative stress as a cross-sectional mechanism in occupational diseases
Keywords:
oxidative stress, occupational health, occupational exposure, biomarkers, professionals diseasesAbstract
I
Introduction: Oxidative stress has become established in recent years as a central pathophysiological axis in numerous diseases associated with occupational exposure.
Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the role of oxidative stress as a common mechanism triggered by various occupational agents, as well as to evaluate the relevance of redox damage biomarkers in the health surveillance of workers.
Methods: Systematic review following the PRISMA/2020 statement. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO from January/2015 to December/2025 using DeCS/MeSH terms for oxidative stress and occupational exposure. Original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses measuring oxidative biomarkers in populations with defined occupational exposure were included.
Results: A substantial number of studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included. The findings show that heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides, ionizing and nonionizing radiation, noise, extreme temperatures, nanoparticles, and shift work induce redox imbalances through shared pathways: mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of radicalproducing enzymes, glutathione depletion, and disruption of antioxidant signaling. Biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8hydroxy2′deoxyguanosine, the reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio, and antioxidant enzyme activity allow quantification of molecular damage and reflect the oxidative burden in these settings.
Conclusions: Oxidative stress acts as a crosssectional mechanism connecting diverse occupational exposures to chronic diseases. Systematically incorporating these biomarkers into surveillance programs, together with emerging omics approaches, represents a promising strategy for early prevention and strengthening occupational health policies.
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