Molecular mechanisms of phenol hematotoxicity and its synergistic interaction with benzene under occupational exposure conditions (literature review)

Phenol is a widespread industrial workplace air pollutant but its hematotoxic effects and the mechanisms of its interaction with benzene during combined occupational exposure remain insufficiently studied.

The purpose of this review is to systematize current research data on toxicokinetics and molecular mechanisms of phenol’s hematotoxicity, as well as to assess its interaction with benzene under occupational exposure conditions.

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 136 reviewed publications, 47 papers were selected for the review.

Phenol can undergo local bioactivation in the bone marrow, where tissues are characterized by high sulfatase and myeloperoxidase activity coupled with low sulfotransferase activity. This leads to the formation of highly reactive metabolites. These compounds inhibit topoisomerase IIα, disrupt erythroid differentiation, suppress immune cells, and induce oxidative stress. It has been revealed that genetic polymorphisms in detoxification and DNA repair enzymes can modulate individual susceptibility to the hematotoxic effects of phenol and its metabolites. Furthermore, in case of the combined exposure to phenol and benzene, the chemicals can act synergistically.

Conclusions. The obtained data indicate the need for a comprehensive study of the mechanisms of phenol toxicity and for the improvement of hygienic standards, taking into account combined exposure effects and genetic predisposition. It is also necessary to implement expanded biomonitoring (including the determination of specific metabolites in urine and blood, cytogenetic analysis, and in depth examination of high risk groups) among workers in coke and petrochemical industries.

Authors’ contribution:
Shabardina L.V., Bateneva V.A. – data collection and processing, text writing;
Minigalieva I.A. – study concept and design;
Bazhenov V.A. – data collection and processing.
All co‑authors approved the final version of the article and are responsible for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare that there are no obvious and potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no financial support.

Received: April 07, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

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