Sister chromatid exchange analysis in smelting plant workers exposed to arsenic

Toxicity and oxidative stress induced by chromium in workers exposed from different occupational settings around the globe: A review

The present review focused on the levels and toxicological status of heavy metals especially chromium (Cr) in the exposed workers from different occupational settings around the globe and in Pakistan. It was found that exposed workers from leather tanning and metal plating units showed elevated levels of Cr than the workers from other occupational settings. Cr and other heavy metals level in biological matrices of the exposed workers in different occupational settings revealed that developing countries are severely contaminated. Occupational settings from the Sialkot district, Pakistan exhibited elevated level of Cr in biological entities of the exposed workers. Review suggested that higher level of Cr exposure to the workers enhance the oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl (OH) radical generation) which may cause; cellular and molecular damage such as genotoxicity and chromosomal aberration formations, and carcinogenic effects. This review will help to understand the Cr contamination mechanisms and associated health implications in different occupational settings around the globe in general and particularly to Pakistan. This study will also assist occupational health and safety management authorities to devise or change the Cr recommended exposure limits (REL) for different occupational settings.

Similar Sister Chromatid Arrangement in Mono- and Holocentric Plant Chromosomes

Due to the X-shape formation at somatic metaphase, the arrangement of the sister chromatids is obvious in monocentric chromosomes. In contrast, the sister chromatids of holocentric chromosomes cannot be distinguished even at mitotic metaphase. To clarify their organization, we differentially labelled the sister chromatids of holocentric Luzula and monocentric rye chromosomes by incorporating the base analogue EdU during replication. Using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and 3D rendering, we found that holocentric sister chromatids attach to each other at their contact surfaces similar to those of monocentrics in prometaphase. We found that sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) are distributed homogeneously along the whole holocentric chromosomes of Luzula, and that their occurrence is increased compared to monocentric rye chromosomes. The SCE frequency of supernumerary B chromosomes, present additionally to the essential A chromosome complement of rye, does not differ from that of A chromosomes. Based on these results, models of the sister chromatid arrangement in mono- and holocentric plant chromosomes are presented.

What is the best biomarker to assess arsenic exposure via drinking water?

Arsenic (As) is a ubiquitous element. The current WHO guideline for As in drinking water is 10 μg/L. Furthermore, about 130 million people have only access to drinking water containing more than 10 g As/L. Although numerous studies have shown the related adverse effects of As, sensitive appropriate biomarkers are still required for studies of environmental epidemiology. A review of the literature has shown that various biomarkers are used for such research. Their limits and advantages are highlighted in this paper: (i) the detection of As or its derivatives in the blood is an indication of the dose ingested but it is not evidence of chronic intoxication. (ii) The detection of As in urine is an indispensible procedure because it is a good marker for internal dose. It has been demonstrated to correlate well for a number of chronic effects related to As levels in drinking water. However confounding factors must be taken into account to avoid misinterpretation and this may require As speciation. (iii) As in the hair and nails reflects the level of long term exposure but it is difficult to relate the level with the dose ingested. (iv) Some studies showed a correlation between urinary As and urinary and blood porphyrins. However, it is difficult to use only porphyrins as a biomarker in a population survey carried out without doing further studies. (v) Genotoxic effects are based on the characterization of these potential effects. Most studies have detected increases in DNA damage, sister chromatid exchange, micronuclei or chromosomal aberrations in populations exposed to As in drinking water. Micronuclei assay is the technique of choice to follow these populations, because it is sensitive and easy to use. To conclude, whatever epidemiological studies are, the urinary and toenail biomarkers are useful to provide indications of internal dose. Moreover, micronuclei assay can be complementary use as biomarker of early effects.

Occupational genotoxicity among copper smelters

Occupational exposure in a copper smelting industry may produce various adverse health effects including cancer. Despite a number of well-documented studies reporting an increased risk of cancer among copper smelter workers, the data on genotoxic effects in this industry are scarce. In view of the above, an assessment of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes by Comet assay from copper smelter workers was undertaken. Additionally, the proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was assessed to determine the metal content of samples. The study was conducted with all workers from a copper smelter (males; n = 11), and a control group ( n = 11) was recruited. The results of our study showed a significant increase ( p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test) in DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of smelter workers, compared to the controls ( p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test). No correlation between DNA damage or metal concentration and age mean or time of exposure was found under study. Our findings indicate that copper smelter workers have increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting a potential health risk for the workers. PIXE results show the presence of copper, iron, and other metals.

Evaluation of micronucleus frequencies in blood lymphocytes from smelting plant workers exposed to arsenic

Arsenic is a world health problem due to the seriousness of its effects, mainly related with the increase of cancer. In Chile, the geological characteristics of the northern region, associated with the development of the copper mining and smelting activities, have contributed to increase the environmental levels of arsenic. This study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between arsenic occupational exposure and genotoxic effects in smelting plant workers. To determine the genotoxic risk related to the increase of cancer among the chronically exposed population, the frequency of micronuclei in blood (BNMN) has been evaluated. The study was carried out in a total of 207 men, divided into three groups: an exposed group of 105 individuals working in a smelting plant, an internal reference group with 52 employees at the same mine but in the administrative area, and an external reference group of 50 workers from another copper mine where no significant levels of arsenic were detected. As expected, differences between arsenic levels in urine have been detected between groups, with the exposed group being the one with a higher level of total arsenic in urine, followed by the internal reference group. Despite that, no significant differences in micronuclei frequencies in lymphocytes were detected among these groups.

Arjunolic acid, a triterpenoid saponin, ameliorates arsenic-induced cyto-toxicity in hepatocytes

Arsenic is a well-established environmental toxin, which damages various organs of the body. A triterpenoid saponin, arjunolic acid (AA) has been isolated from the bark of Terminalia arjuna. The present study was conducted to investigate the preventive role of AA against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity in isolated murine hepatocytes. Sodium arsenite (NaAsO(2)) was chosen as the source of arsenic. Incubation of the hepatocytes with NaAsO(2) (1 mM) for 2 h caused reduction in the cell viability and activities of the intracellular enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment of NaAsO(2) enhanced lipid peroxidation and also increased the activities of the membrane leakage enzymes. Administration of AA (100 microg/ml) before and with the toxin almost normalized the altered activities of antioxidant indices. AA possesses free radical scavenging activity and could enhance the cellular anti-oxidant capability against NaAsO(2)-induced cyto-toxicity. The cytoprotective activity of AA was found to be comparable to that of a known antioxidant, vitamin C. Experimental results, therefore, suggest that AA protects arsenic-induced cytotoxicity in murine hepatocytes.