Analysis of contemporary Russian and foreign approaches to biomonitoring of furan and its derivatives in the human body (literature review)

Furan and its derivatives are hazardous contaminants detected both in environmental objects and human biological media. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies furan as ‘possibly carcinogenic for humans’ (Group 2B). Upon inhalation, furan can induce lung edema and bronchi necrosis. An experiment that involved single oral administration of furan in corn oil 4 cm3/kg of Fischer 344 rat’s body weight established that furan at the dose of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg of body weight can oxidize into the toxic metabolite cis-2-butene-1 4-dial (BDA), which is an important trigger of toxic effects. The dose of 250 µg/kg of body weight induced chromosomal aberrations in male Fischer 344 rats. Furan is considered non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogen; it is metabolized in the liver to its metabolite cis-2-butene-1 4-dial (BDA), which is acutely toxic for liver cells. As a result, cell death is accompanied with tissue recovery and cell proliferation, which, in its turn, raises likelihood of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to study foreign experience, scientific-information sources and findings obtained by theoretical and experimental research, methods and methodologies for identifying mass concentrations of furan and its derivatives (furan and 2-methylfuran) in human biological media. The research object was represented by Russian and foreign scientific and methodical publications with their focus on toxic compounds of furan and its derivatives. We analyzed multiple literature sources available in Google scholar on methods and mythologies for identifying mass concentrations of furan and its derivatives in human biological media. Methodical documents valid in the Russian Federation were searched for on the following web-sites: http://www.normacs.ru; - https://files.stroyinf.ru. The analyzed period was equal to 37 years (from 1986 to 2023). The review provides in-depth description of physical and chemical methods employed to control levels of dioxin, furan and its derivatives in biological media; toxic and genetic effects; absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of furan from the body. It also covers toxicological properties of furan and its derivatives (animal experiments conducted on Fischer 344 mice and rats in EU countries and the USA). Conclusion. The review summarizes the experience gained by international studies in EU countries and the USA, which can be eligible for developing human biomonitoring and for implementation into practical activities as a sub-system within social and hygienic monitoring in the Russian Federation.