Association between exposure to nitric oxide and changes in select molecular markers of health among men in the gold jewelry manufacturing industry

DNA damage analysis concerning GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism in gold jewellery workers from Peshawar Pakistan

PURPOSE

To evaluate the genotoxic effects of gold jewellery fumes and its association with GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 94 subjects including 54 gold jewellery workers and 40 controls. The DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay and genotyping by PCR.

RESULTS

The mean total comet score (TCS) in gold jewellery workers was significantly higher as compared to the control subjects (128.0 ± 60.6 versus 47.7 ± 21.4; p = 0.0001). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on the TCS of the exposed group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in the exposed group was significant (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. No significant association (p > 0.05) between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and DNA damage was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that there is increased DNA damage in gold jewellery workers due to their occupational surroundings. Hence there is a strong need to educate the workers about the adverse health effects of potentially hazardous chemicals and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Occupational health hazards on workers exposure to lead (Pb): A genotoxicity analysis

BACKGROUND

The present investigation of genotoxicity of lead (Pb) among workers exposed to inorganic Pb environment, which appears to be first of its kind in South India, was undertaken to assess the seriousness, the ill effects of health contributed by this serious environmental pollutant.

METHODS

A total of 144 samples comprising of exposed (n=72), and control (n=72) subjects were screened. Demographic data and their associated health levels were undertaken by means of a questionnaire. The blood samples collected were subjected to chromosomal analysis, micronuclei assessment and comet assay.

RESULTS

A higher level of Pb was quantified in the blood samples of all exposed subjects. An overview of the genotoxic assessment helped us understand parameters such as age do not affect or bring about any difference in the genotoxic potential of the exposed and control subjects. The only signification feature that resulted in an enhanced genotoxic potential was the years of exposure to the Pb environment that accumulated the dosage of Pb over the years.

CONCLUSION

The high positivity of genotoxic potential of Pb in a country like India highlights the need for labelling hazardous metals in paint containers as a means to assure strict regulations.