Objectives: To find out the extent to which the genetic material of Baghdad traffic policemen is affected by the oxidative damage caused by pollutants by monitoring the levels of 8-OHdG compared to the levels of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde. Methods: This study includes 140 participants; they have been divided into two groups (traffic police and office police). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed for each participant by GC/FID while 8-OHdG and antioxidant enzymes were measured by the ELISA technique. Results: The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 8-Oxo-dG, and malondialdehyde were elevated in the blood of the traffic police compared to the office police, while higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were observed in the blood of the office police.  Conclusion: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbones can cause oxidative stress through their metabolic derivatives and the resulting active molecules, which lead to the formation of 8-Oxo-dG and the reduction of enzymatic antioxidants, which may lead to the emergence of cancers.

Objectives: To ascertain the protective effect of p53 tumor protein by monitoring its levels in comparison with the levels of antioxidant enzymes, against any type of cancer that can be caused by chronic exposure of traffic policemen to air pollutants. Methods: This study comprises 140 participants, who have been divided into two groups (Traffic police and Office police). PAHs were analyzed for each participant by GC/FID while p53 protein and antioxidant enzymes were measured by the ELISA technique.  Results: The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and p53 tumor protein were high in the blood of traffic police compared to office police, while higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and G-Px) were observed in the blood of office police. Conclusion: Exposure to PAHs can cause oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer. However, because natural endogenous biomolecules like p53 protein can neutralize PAHs' carcinogenic effects, their elevation has a beneficial anti-cancer effect by reducing oxidative stress and preventing tumorigenesis.