Association of shift work with oxidative stress and alteration of fasting plasma glucose level in Chinese adults

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association of shift work with blood glucose and the mediating role of oxidative stress.

Methods

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and urinary concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α [8-isoPGF_2α]) were measured among 831 participants.

Results

Positive dose-response relationships among shift work duration,  FPG (p_trend < 0.001), and abnormal glucose regulation (AGR; p_trend = 0.035) were found. Compared with participants without shift work, three-shift work was associated with a higher level of FPG (percentage change: 6.49%, 95% CI: 4.21%–8.83%) and a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (odds ratio: 1.886, 95% CI: 1.114–3.192) and AGR (odds ratio: 1.929, 95% CI: 1.197–3.111). A dose-response relationship was found between shift work duration and 8-OHdG (p_trend = 0.002) and 8-isoPGF_2α (p_trend = 0.019). Urinary 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF_2α partially mediated the association between shift work duration and FPG levels and the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and AGR, with mediating proportions ranging from 4.77% to 20.76%.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that shift work is positively associated with blood glucose, and the association is partially mediated by oxidative stress.