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Çobanoğlu H, Coşkun M, Coşkun M, Çayır A. Different working conditions shift the genetic damage levels of pesticide-exposed agriculture workers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:31750-31759. [PMID: 32504430 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09463-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we had two main purposes. Firstly, we aimed to compare genetic damages in the agricultural workers of two different types of environmental conditions including the greenhouse and open fields. Secondly, we aimed to compare genetic damages in the total agricultural workers as the exposed group (greenhouse and open field workers) (n = 114) and the non-exposed control group (n = 98) living in the same area in Canakkale, Turkey. For these purposes, we investigated the incidence of micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds (NBUDs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We observed that the frequencies of MN, NPB, and NBUD obtained for the greenhouse workers were statistically significantly higher than those obtained for the open field workers. When the results of the control group were compared with those of the total workers, there were statistically significant differences in terms of MN and NBUD frequencies. We found that age and MN were correlated at a significant level in both the agricultural workers and the control group. The MN frequency of the female workers was 1.5 times greater than that of the male workers, and it was a significant level in the agricultural workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayal Çobanoğlu
- Health Services Vocational College, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Münevver Coşkun
- Health Services Vocational College, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Coşkun
- Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Akın Çayır
- Health Services Vocational College, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey.
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Hayat K, Afzal M, Aqueel MA, Ali S, Saeed MF, Qureshi AK, Ullah MI, Khan QM, Naseem MT, Ashfaq U, Damalas CA. Insecticide toxic effects and blood biochemical alterations in occupationally exposed individuals in Punjab, Pakistan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 655:102-111. [PMID: 30469056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of people exposed to hazardous materials provides opportunities for early identification of several diseases, particularly in those individuals who are constantly exposed to pesticides, such as pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry. However, data on this hot topic are limited in Pakistan. In this study, insecticide toxic effects and biochemical alterations (i.e., damage in DNA and enzyme activity) were studied in blood samples of occupationally exposed individuals from Punjab, Pakistan. Eight out of twenty-seven blood samples (29.6%) of the pesticide operators were found positive in five insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for chlorpyrifos-methyl (0.039 μg/mL). Eleven out of twenty-seven blood samples (40.7%) of the pesticide industry workers were found positive in eight insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for endosulfan (0.051 μg/mL). Comet tail length was 16.88 ± 4.57 μm in pesticide industry workers and 16.33 ± 3.78 μm in pesticide operators, which were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that recorded in the control group (4.84 ± 2.21 μm). Values of serum cholinesterase (SChE) concentration were slightly lower (P > 0.05) in exposed individuals, whereas values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in exposed individuals compared with control group. Exposure duration and total insecticide concentration in blood samples were positively associated with comet tail length, ALT activity, AST activity, and ALP activity, but negatively with SChE. DNA damage was higher in smokers vs. non-smokers. Also, a positive association was found between comet tail length and number of cigarettes per day. Overall, occupational exposure to insecticides can pose serious health risks to pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry, highlighting the necessity of personal protection in those groups for preventing exposure and resultant health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khizar Hayat
- Department of Entomology, University of Sargodha, 40100 Sargodha, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Entomology, University of Sargodha, 40100 Sargodha, Pakistan
| | | | - Sajjad Ali
- Department of Entomology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100 Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Farhan Saeed
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, 120 Dongling Road, Shenhe District, 110866 Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari Campus, 61100 Vehari, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmad Kaleem Qureshi
- Department of Chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100 Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | | | - Qaiser M Khan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tayyib Naseem
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Christos A Damalas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece.
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Ali T, Ismail M, Asad F, Ashraf A, Waheed U, Khan QM. Pesticide genotoxicity in cotton picking women in Pakistan evaluated using comet assay. Drug Chem Toxicol 2017; 41:213-220. [DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2017.1343342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Ali
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Environmental Toxicology Lab, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ismail
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Environmental Toxicology Lab, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farkhanda Asad
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Usman Waheed
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Environmental Toxicology Lab, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Qaiser M. Khan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Environmental Toxicology Lab, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Dutta S, Bahadur M. Cytogenetic analysis of micronuclei and cell death parameters in epithelial cells of pesticide exposed tea garden workers. Toxicol Mech Methods 2016; 26:627-634. [DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2016.1230917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Poorbagher H, Moghaddam MN, Eagderi S, Farahmand H. Estimating the DNA strand breakage using a fuzzy inference system and agarose gel electrophoresis, a case study with toothed carp Aphanius sophiae exposed to cypermethrin. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:1040-1046. [PMID: 27000282 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The DNA breakage has been widely used in ecotoxicological studies to investigate effects of pesticides in fishes. The present study used a fuzzy inference system to quantify the breakage of DNA double strand in Aphanius sophiae exposed to the cypermethrin. The specimens were adapted to different temperatures and salinity for 14 days and then exposed to cypermethrin. DNA of each specimens were extracted, electrophoresed and photographed. A fuzzy system with three input variables and 27 rules were defined. The pixel value curve of DNA on each gel lane was obtained using ImageJ. The DNA breakage was quantified using the pixel value curve and fuzzy system. The defuzzified values were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance. Cypermethrin had significant effects on DNA breakage. Fuzzy inference systems can be used as a tool to quantify the breakage of double strand DNA. DNA double strand of the gill of A. sophiae is sensitive enough to be used to detect cypermethrin in surface waters in concentrations much lower than those reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Poorbagher
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, PO Box 4314, Iran.
| | | | - Soheil Eagderi
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, PO Box 4314, Iran
| | - Hamid Farahmand
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, PO Box 4314, Iran
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The use of the lymphocyte cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay for monitoring pesticide-exposed populations. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 770:183-203. [PMID: 27894686 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are widely used around the world, and hundreds of millions of people are exposed annually in occupational and environmental settings. Numerous studies have demonstrated relationships between pesticide exposure and increased risk of cancers, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, respiratory diseases and diabetes. Assessment of genotoxicity of pesticides and biomonitoring their effect in exposed populations is critical for a better regulation and protection, but it can be complicated because pesticides are often used as complex mixtures. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in human lymphocytes (L-CBMN) is a validated method of assessment of DNA damage induced by clastogenic and aneuploidogenic mechanisms. The goal of this review is to provide an updated summary of publications on biomonitoring studies using this assay in people exposed to pesticides in different settings, and to identify gaps in knowledge, and future directions. A literature search was conducted through MedLine/PubMed and TOXLINE electronic databases up to December 2015. A total of 55 full-text articles, related to 49 studies, excluding reviews, were selected for in depth analysis, divided by the settings where exposures occurred, such as chemical plant workers, pesticide sprayers, floriculturists, agricultural workers and non-occupationally exposed groups. Majority of studies (36 out of 49) reported positive findings with L-CBMN assay. However, most of the studies of professional applicators that used single pesticide or few compounds in the framework of specific programs did not show significant increases in MN frequency. A decreased level of pesticide-induced genotoxicity was associated with the proper use of personal protection. In contrast, subjects working in greenhouses or during intensive spraying season and having acute exposure, showed consistent increases in MN frequency. Overall, this analysis confirmed that L-CBMN is an excellent tool for pesticide biomonitoring, and can validate the effects of educational and intervention programs on reducing exposure and genetic damage.
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Abdul Hamid Z, Mohd Zulkifly MF, Hamid A, Lubis SH, Mohammad N, Ishak I, Mohd Saat NZ, Othman HF, Ghazali AR, Mohd Rafaai MJ, Mohd Noor MR, Rajab NF. The association of nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells with the health status of different agricultural activities farmers in Peninsular Malaysia. Genes Environ 2016; 38:7. [PMID: 27350827 PMCID: PMC4918015 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-016-0032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticide exposure possesses risk of genotoxicity to humans, particularly farmers. Despite accumulating evidences linking genotoxicity to pesticide exposure, epidemiological studies to address pesticide toxicity in occupationally exposed farmers in Malaysia remain underreported. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the presence of nuclear abnormalities through the assessment of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) frequencies in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional study of farmers among different agricultural activities farmers in Bachok and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, North East of Peninsular Malaysia was done to evaluate the presence of nuclear abnormalities and its correlation with their health status and farming activities. RESULTS Analysis of buccal cells revealed that the frequency of MN was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in farmers as compared to controls. In contrast, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed for BNu frequency in between groups. Correlation analysis showed that apart from a significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation between the duration of fertilizers exposure and frequencies of MN (r = 0.42, P = 0.001) and BNu (r = 0.37, P = 0.02), no other correlation of various confounding factors on the formation of MN and BNu were observed. CONCLUSION In conclusion, pesticide and fertilizers exposure may contribute to the promotion of nuclear anomalies among Malaysian farmers who are engaged in mixed plantation activities. Further assessment of larger populations is important to address and overcome the potential risk of pesticide-induced genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zariyantey Abdul Hamid
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohd Faizal Mohd Zulkifly
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
- />Center for Neuroscience Services and Research (P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kota Baru, Kelantan Malaysia
| | - Asmah Hamid
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Syarif Husin Lubis
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Nihayah Mohammad
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Ismarulyusda Ishak
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Hidayatul Fathi Othman
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Rohi Ghazali
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohd Jamil Mohd Rafaai
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Roff Mohd Noor
- />Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, Serdang, 43400 Selangor Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
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Senthilkumar CS, Akhter S, Malla TM, Sah NK, Ganesh N. Increased Micronucleus Frequency in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Contributes to Cancer Risk in the Methyl Isocyanate-Affected Population of Bhopal. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:4409-19. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.10.4409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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9
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Wilhelm CM, Calsing AK, da Silva LB. Assessment of DNA damage in floriculturists in southern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:8182-8189. [PMID: 25516252 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3959-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess possible genotoxic effects on floriculturists in a region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the south of Brazil, using the micronucleus test (MN) and comet assay. Thirty-seven floriculturists and 37 individuals not exposed to pesticides participated in the study. The micronucleus test was performed with epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. In the microscopic analysis, 2000 cells were evaluated per subject, verifying the frequency of MN and the frequency of other nuclear abnormalities (nuclear buds, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis). For the comet assay in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, 100 cells were classified in five classes, according to the migration of DNA fragments, thereby generating the frequency of damaged cells and the damage index. There was no difference between the exposed and control groups in the frequencies of MN and other nuclear abnormalities in the epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. However, the comet assay showed that both the frequency of DNA damaged cells and the damage index were significantly greater in the exposed group. The results therefore indicate that floriculturists are exposed to mixtures of pesticides with genotoxic potential.
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Yang HY, Liu J, Yang SY, Wang HY, Wang YD. Increased Sister Chromatid Exchange in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes from Humans Exposed to Pesticide: Evidence Based on a Meta-analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:9725-30. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.22.9725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Yilmaz S, Ünal F, Yilmaz E, Yüzbaşioğlu D, Erkal İlhan S. Evaluation of the genotoxicity of clomiphene citrate. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2014; 759:21-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Soni MP, Mahajan MV, Dhumal RV, Bhagat S, Tiwari D, Gaikwad RV, Samad A, Devarajan PV, Vanage GR. Genotoxicity evaluation of asymmetric lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles of doxycycline hydrochloride following intravenous administration. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2013; 3:421-7. [PMID: 25788350 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-012-0118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles, being small (<1,000 nm) in size, provide high surface area-to-volume ratio as compared with the bulk materials which increase the concern about their potential toxicities. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the genotoxic potential of asymmetric lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles of doxycycline hydrochloride (DH lipomer) following intravenous route. DH lipomer was prepared by modified nano-precipitation method as reported earlier. Doxycyline loading was found to be 20 ± 2.5 %. Average particle size of DH lipomer and blank lipomer was 512 ± 8 and 520 ± 6 nm, respectively. Micronucleus (MN) assay was performed in adult healthy Swiss mice whereas chromosomal aberration (CA) test and comet assay were performed in healthy Holtzman rats following intravenous administration. Animals were divided into two sets, male and female, each set comprising of six groups (n = 5/group), viz., three test groups, blank lipomer (BL), vehicle control (VC), and positive control. Groups treated with 1.5 mg/kg BW DH lipomer did not show micronuclei formation in bone marrow cell, DNA damage, and CA, respectively, as compared with VC, suggesting no genotoxicity. On the other hand 3 and 6 mg/kg BW revealed significant (P > 0.001) increase in micronuclei formation, DNA damage, and chromosomal aberrations. Furthermore, BL (6 mg/kg BW) did not reveal genotoxic response in any of the tests, suggesting lipomer components as non-genotoxic. No sex-dependent variation in genotoxicity was observed. This study therefore suggests the potential safety of the proposed dose of DH lipomer at 1 mg/kg BW. An interesting highlight of the study is safety of lipomer matrix which could be exploited for other biomedical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheshkumar P Soni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India
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Kaur R, Kaur S, Lata M. Evaluation of DNA damage in agricultural workers exposed to pesticides using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. INDIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS 2012; 17:179-87. [PMID: 22345990 PMCID: PMC3276987 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6866.92100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops, but they pose a potential risk to farmers and environment. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relation between the occupational exposure to various pesticides and the presence of DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples of 210 exposed workers (after a day of intense spraying) and 50 control subjects belonging to various districts of Punjab (India) were evaluated using Comet assay. Sixty workers who showed DNA damage were selected for follow up at 5-6 months after the first sampling during a low or null spraying period. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in DNA damage between freshly exposed workers and controls and freshly exposed and followed up cases. There was significant increase in the comet parameters viz. mean comet tail length and frequency of cells showing migration in exposed workers as compared to controls (72.22 ± 20.76 vs. 46.92 ± 8.17, P<0.001; 31.79 vs. 5.77, P<0.001). In the second samples, followed up cases showed significant decrease in frequency of damaged cells as compared to freshly exposed workers of first sampling (P<0.05). The confounding factors such as variable duration of pesticide exposure, age, smoking, drinking and dietary habits etc which were expected to modulate the damage, were instead found to have no significant effect on DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSION: The evidence of a genetic hazard related to exposure resulting from the intensive use of pesticides stresses the need for educational programs for agricultural workers to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raminderjeet Kaur
- Department of Human Biology, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, Punjab, India
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Bolognesi C, Creus A, Ostrosky-Wegman P, Marcos R. Micronuclei and pesticide exposure. Mutagenesis 2011; 26:19-26. [PMID: 21164178 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geq070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronucleus (MN) is a biomarker widely used in biomonitoring studies carried out to determine the genetic risk associated to pesticide exposure. Many in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as epidemiological approaches, have demonstrated the ability of certain chemical pesticides to produce genetic effects including cancer and other chronic pathologies in humans; thus, biomonitoring studies have been carried out to characterise the genetic risk associated to pesticide exposure. It must be noted that 'pesticide exposure' is a broad term covering complex mixtures of chemicals and many variables that can reduce or potentiate their risk. In addition, there are large differences in pesticides used in the different parts of the world. Although pesticides constitute a wide group of environmental pollutants, the main focus on their risk has been addressed to people using pesticides in their working places, at the chemical industry or in the crop fields. Here, we present a brief review of biomonitoring studies carried out in people occupationally exposed to pesticides and that use MN in lymphocytes or buccal cells as a target to determine the induction of genotoxic damage. Thus, people working in the chemical industry producing pesticides, people spraying pesticides and people dedicated to floriculture or agricultural works in general are the subject of specific sections. MN is a valuable genotoxic end point when clear exposure conditions exist like in pesticide production workers; nevertheless, better study designs are needed to overcome the uncertainty in exposure, genetic susceptibility and statistical power in the studies of sprayers and floriculture or agricultural workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bolognesi
- Environmental Carcinogenesis Unit, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
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Scarpato R, Tusa I, Antonelli A, Fallhai P, Sbrana I. Spontaneous and bleomycin-induced chromosome damage in non cancer thyroid patients. Eur J Clin Invest 2009; 39:1091-7. [PMID: 19807783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presence of chromosome damage in lymphocytes of patients affected by several diseases, including cancer, was detected by the micronucleus (MN) assay. Individual susceptibility to DNA damage, considered as a risk factor for cancer, can be also evaluated using the bleomycin (BLM) sensitivity test. MATERIALS AND METHODS We aimed to evaluate spontaneous or BLM-induced MN frequencies in autoimmune (AI, n = 19) and non autoimmune (NAI, n = 11) thyroid patients, not receiving (131)I radiometabolic therapy with respect to a control group of 18 healthy subjects. According to thyroid function, patients were also divided into hypothyroid (n = 10), euthyroid (n = 13) or hyperthyroid (n = 7) subjects. RESULTS Spontaneous MN frequencies of AI and NAI patients did not differ from those of controls. Hypothyroid patients had more elevated MN basal levels (9.00 + or - 1.71 per thousand) than hyperthyroid (3.75 + or - 1.17 per thousand, P < 0.05) and euthyroid (5.38 + or - 0.97 per thousand, P < 0.01) patients or healthy subjects (4.17 + or - 0.63 per thousand, P < 0.01). In particular, the hypothyroid AI group showed the highest value (9.79 + or - 2.26 per thousand, P < 0.01). All thyroid patients responded differently to BLM than controls (39.90 + or - 2.48 per thousand vs. 31.08 + or - 2.51 per thousand, P = 0.0377). The NAI group had BLM-induced MN levels (45.00 + or - 2.56 per thousand) significantly higher (P = 0.0215) than AI patients (36.95 + or - 3.49 per thousand) or healthy subjects (31.08 + or - 2.51 per thousand). No significant difference was seen when patients were stratified according to autoimmunity. CONCLUSIONS We report that hypothyroid patients exhibit a moderate increase in the level of spontaneous genome damage, and that AI thyroid patients resulted to be less sensitive than NAI patients to the mutagen sensitivity test. In prospective, it may be of interest to reinvestigate hypothyroid patients when correction of their dysfunction is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Scarpato
- Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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Simoniello MF, Kleinsorge EC, Scagnetti JA, Grigolato RA, Poletta GL, Carballo MA. DNA damage in workers occupationally exposed to pesticide mixtures. J Appl Toxicol 2009; 28:957-65. [PMID: 18636400 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops but represent at the same time a potential risk to farmers and environment. The aim of this work is the evaluation of 54 subjects occupationally exposed to pesticides and 30 subjects as a control group using the quantification of DNA damage level by means of the alkaline Comet assay and the evaluation of repair processes. Damage index Comet assay (DICA) and damage index repair assay (DIRA) were studied in 27 pesticide applicator workers, 27 non-pesticide applicators and controls. Our results show that both exposed groups revealed significant increase in DICA when compared with controls (P < 0.0001), as well as in DIRA (P < 0.0001). However, the spraying group exhibited a marginally significant difference in DICA (P = 0.05) when years of exposure are considered and a significant difference (P < 0.05) when the personal protective equipment used by individuals was taken as a comparison factor. The influence of confounding factors on the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to pesticides was investigated and no significant differences were observed considering age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption in relation to DICA and DIRA. Since DNA damage is an important step in events leading from carcinogen exposure to cancer disease, our study highlights the potential health risk associated with agrochemical exposure in developing countries with vast cultivated areas, such as Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Simoniello
- Cátedra de Toxicología, Farmacología y Bioquímica Legal, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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17
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Bhalli JA, Ali T, Asi MR, Khalid ZM, Ceppi M, Khan QM. DNA damage in Pakistani agricultural workers exposed to mixture of pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2009; 50:37-45. [PMID: 19031420 DOI: 10.1002/em.20435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was designed to determine whether occupational exposure to a complex mixture of pesticides results in a significant increase of DNA damage in farmers chronically exposed to pesticides in open fields. Leukocytes from 47 agriculture workers exposed to pesticides and 50 controls were evaluated with comet assay. Workers recruitment was based on their exposure to pesticides during the spraying season on cotton crop. Serum from these individuals was also analyzed for pesticides presence using high performance liquid chromatography. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in DNA damage of exposed individuals (mean +/- S.D 14.80 +/- 3.04 microm) was observed when compared with control group (6.54 +/- 1.73 microm) as studied on the basis of comet tail length. Smokers had significantly higher mean comet tail length than nonsmokers and ex-smokers in both workers (20.26 +/- 3.53 vs. 14.19 +/- 4.25, P < 0.001) and controls (7.86 +/- 1.09 vs. 5.80 +/- 1.59, P < 0.001), whereas age had a minimal effect on DNA damage (P < 0.05). The length of pesticide exposure is positively associated with DNA damage in exposed individuals (P < 0.001). Our study shows that chronic exposure to pesticides produces DNA damage in pesticide sprayers and suggests that this type of monitoring is recommended in preventive policies for pesticide sprayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed A Bhalli
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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18
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Scarpato R, Paganucci L, Bertoli A, Fiore L, Pistelli L, Federico G. Licoflavone C attenuates the genotoxicity of cancer drugs in human peripheral lymphocytes. Phytother Res 2008; 22:1650-4. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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19
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Paz-y-Miño C, López-Cortés A, Arévalo M, Sánchez ME. Monitoring of DNA Damage in Individuals Exposed to Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Ecuador. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1140:121-8. [DOI: 10.1196/annals.1454.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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20
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Federico G, Boni G, Fabiani B, Fiore L, Lazzeri P, Massart F, Traino C, Verola C, Saggese G, Mariani G, Scarpato R. No evidence of chromosome damage in children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma after receiving 131I radiometabolic therapy, as evaluated by micronucleus assay and microarray analysis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2008; 35:2113-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-008-0867-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Ali T, Bhalli JA, Rana SM, Khan QM. Cytogenetic damage in female Pakistani agricultural workers exposed to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2008; 49:374-380. [PMID: 18418870 DOI: 10.1002/em.20395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bhawalpur is a major cotton-growing area in Pakistan. Cotton picking in Pakistan is carried out by females and as a result of the intensive use of pesticides during the growing season these females are exposed to pesticide residues in the picking season. In the present study, peripheral blood was obtained from 69 cotton pickers and 69 unexposed females and used to assess the effect of pesticide exposure on genetic damage as well as on hepatic enzymes and serum cholinesterase. The subjects were of similar average age in workers and control groups (37.55 +/- 12.75 vs. 37.52 +/- 13.47, P > 0.05). Average exposure time of the picker females was 10.26 +/- 6.14 years. Subjects from the exposed group did not use any protective measures during their work activities. Levels of serum cholinesterase were lower, and levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the exposed workers as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The exposed group exhibited significantly increased frequencies of binucleated cells with micronuclei (12.72 +/- 3.48 vs. 4.35 +/- 2.44, P < 0.001) and total number of micronuclei in binucleated lymphocytes (16.51 +/- 4.27 vs. 5.86 +/- 3.09, P < 0.001) in comparison with subjects of the control group. The binucleated cells with micronuclei frequency also seemed to increase with age in both the groups, however, the magnitude of increase was greater in exposed group than the control. Results from the present study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures results in cytogenetic damage in exposed females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Ali
- Environmental Toxicology Lab, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
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22
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Naravaneni R, Jamil K. Determination of AChE levels and genotoxic effects in farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Hum Exp Toxicol 2008; 26:723-31. [PMID: 17984143 DOI: 10.1177/0960327107083450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides can cause cytogenetic effects and lower the acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) levels in farmers exposed to pesticides. In this study, 210 farmers exposed to pesticides and 160 non-exposed individuals were enrolled for determining the genotoxicity and AChE levels. The AChE levels were determined in plasma and RBC lysate from blood samples collected from farmers and control subjects. AChE (true and pseudo) estimation done by the colorimetric method revealed that there was a progressive fall in both the RBC and plasma AChE levels in exposed individuals compared to unexposed individuals, which correlated with the severity of exposure (253.5 versus 311.1 and 142.3 versus 152.1; P < 0.001). Cytogenetic studies showed an increase in DNA damage and higher chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in exposed farmers compared to the control subjects (26.13 versus 07.61 and 21.37 versus 1.52; P < 0.001). When comparing the AChE levels with DNA damage and structural CA frequencies, there was a negative linear correlation. Therefore based on these findings, it is concluded that genotoxic biomarkers like CA frequencies, DNA damage data along with AChE levels are important parameters for determining farmer's health who are exposed to pesticides in any situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rambabu Naravaneni
- Genetics Department, Bhagawan Mahavir Medical Research Centre, Hyderabad 500 004, Andhra Pradesh, India
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23
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24
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Costa C, Silva S, Coelho P, Roma-Torres J, Teixeira JP, Mayan O. Micronucleus analysis in a Portuguese population exposed to pesticides: Preliminary survey. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2007; 210:415-8. [PMID: 17320478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2007.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The general population is exposed in their everyday life to different chemicals namely to pesticides. Many of these compounds are capable of inducing mutations in DNA and lead to several diseases including cancer. With this study we intended to evaluate DNA damage inflicted by pesticide exposure in a population occupationally exposed to those chemicals by means of the micronucleus (MN) test. The obtained results showed a significant increase in MN frequency in occupationally exposed individuals (p<0.001) compared with the control group. Higher frequencies of MN were associated with a specific workplace (greenhouses) and the lack of protective measures (gloves) during labour activities. These results reinforce that conditions in workplace should be improved to minimize exposure to these chemicals. This study also emphasizes the need to reinforce the good practices campaigns in order to enlighten those who work with pesticides on the potential hazard of occupational exposure and the importance of using protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Costa
- National Institute of Health, Centre of Environmental and Occupational Health, Praça Coronel Pacheco, 15, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal.
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25
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Paz-y-Miño C, Sánchez ME, Arévalo M, Muñoz MJ, Witte T, De-la-Carrera GO, Leone PE. Evaluation of DNA damage in an Ecuadorian population exposed to glyphosate. Genet Mol Biol 2007. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572007000300026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- César Paz-y-Miño
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador
| | - María Eugenia Sánchez
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Tania Witte
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador
| | | | - Paola E. Leone
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador
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26
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Bajpayee M, Pandey AK, Zaidi S, Musarrat J, Parmar D, Mathur N, Seth PK, Dhawan A. DNA damage and mutagenicity induced by endosulfan and its metabolites. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2006; 47:682-92. [PMID: 16933317 DOI: 10.1002/em.20255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Endosulfan is a widely used broad-spectrum organochlorine pesticide, which acts as a contact and stomach poison. Nontarget species, such as cattle, fish, birds, and even humans, are also affected. Studies on the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of endosulfan have been inconsistent and nothing is known about the genotoxicity of its metabolites. In the present study, endosulfan (as a commercial isomeric mixture and as the alpha- and beta-isomers), and metabolites of endosulfan (the sulfate, lactone, ether, hydroxyether, and diol derivatives) were assayed for their ability to induce DNA damage in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and human lymphocytes using the Comet assay and were assayed for their mutagenicity using the Salmonella reversion assay (Ames test with TA98, TA97a, TA102, TA104, and TA100, with and without S9 activation). The compounds produced statistically significant (P < 0.01), concentration-dependent (0.25-10 microM) increases in DNA damage in both CHO cells and human lymphocytes. Endosulfan lactone caused the most DNA damage in CHO cells, while the isomeric mixture of endosulfan produced the greatest response in lymphocytes. The test compounds also were mutagenic in Salmonella strains at concentrations of 1-20 mug/plate (P < 0.05), with TA98 being the most sensitive strain and the diol and hydroxyether metabolites producing the highest responses. The results indicate that exposure to sublethal doses of endosulfan and its metabolites induces DNA damage and mutation. The contribution of the metabolites to the genotoxicity of the parent compound in Salmonella and mammalian cells, however, is unclear, and the pathways leading to bacterial mutation and mammalian cell DNA damage appear to differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Bajpayee
- Developmental Toxicology Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India
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27
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Bhalli JA, Khan QM, Nasim A. DNA damage in Pakistani pesticide-manufacturing workers assayed using the Comet assay. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2006; 47:587-93. [PMID: 16917935 DOI: 10.1002/em.20232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The production and use of chemical pesticides has increased in recent years. Although the increased use of pesticides may benefit agriculture, they are also the potential source of environmental pollution, and exposure to pesticides can have negative consequences for human health. In the present study, we have assessed DNA damage in blood leukocytes from 29 Pakistani pesticide-factory workers and 35 controls of similar age and smoking history. The workers were exposed to various mixtures of organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. DNA damage was measured with the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay or Comet assay, using the mean comet tail length (microm) as the DNA damage metric. Exposed workers had significantly longer comet tail lengths than the controls (mean +/- SD 19.98 +/- 2.87 vs. 7.38 +/- 1.48, P < 0.001). Of the possible confounding factors, smokers had significantly longer mean comet tail lengths than nonsmokers and exsmokers for both the workers (21.48 +/- 2.58 vs.18.37 +/- 2.28, P < 0.001) and the controls (8.86 +/- 0.56 vs. 6.79 +/- 1.31, P < 0.001), while age had a minimal effect on DNA damage (P > 0.05 and P < 0.05 for workers and controls, respectively). The results of this study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides causes DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed A Bhalli
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
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28
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Piperakis SM, Kontogianni K, Siffel C, Piperakis MM. Measuring the effects of pesticides on occupationally exposed humans with the comet assay. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2006; 21:355-9. [PMID: 16841319 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study we examine the effects of a mixture of pesticides on occupationally exposed agricultural workers. The study was performed on 149 people, 84 agricultural workers and 65 healthy men from the same area, who served as the control group. The exposed group was divided into a subgroup with 65 individuals moderately exposed (39 men and 26 women) and a highly exposed subgroup consisted of 19 men. The statistical analysis of the comet assay results showed that there were no significant differences in basal DNA damage between pesticide-exposed workers and the control group nor between moderately and highly exposed ones. In addition, exposure of peripheral blood lymphocytes to hydrogen peroxide or gamma-irradiation led to a similar degree of DNA damage and subsequent repair for all the studied populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Piperakis
- Biology Unit, Department of Pre-School Education, University of Thessaly, Argonafton and Filellinon Streets, Volos 38221, Greece.
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29
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McCauley LA, Anger WK, Keifer M, Langley R, Robson MG, Rohlman D. Studying health outcomes in farmworker populations exposed to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:953-60. [PMID: 16760000 PMCID: PMC1480483 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A major goal of studying farmworkers is to better understand how their work environment, including exposure to pesticides, affects their health. Although a number of health conditions have been associated with pesticide exposure, clear linkages have yet to be made between exposure and health effects except in cases of acute pesticide exposure. In this article, we review the most common health end points that have been studied and describe the epidemiologic challenges encountered in studying these health effects of pesticides among farmworkers, including the difficulties in accessing the population and challenges associated with obtaining health end point data. The assessment of neurobehavioral health effects serves as one of the most common and best examples of an approach used to study health outcomes in farmworkers and other populations exposed to pesticides. We review the current limitations in neurobehavioral assessment and strategies to improve these analytical methods. Emerging techniques to improve our assessment of health effects associated with pesticide exposure are reviewed. These techniques, which in most cases have not been applied to farmworker populations, hold promise in our ability to study and understand the relationship between pesticide exposure and a variety of health effects in this population. Key words: biomarkers, cancer, epidemiology, health outcomes, immigrants, neurobehavioral, neuropathy, pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A McCauley
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6096, USA.
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30
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Liu YJ, Huang PL, Chang YF, Chen YH, Chiou YH, Xu ZL, Wong RH. GSTP1 Genetic Polymorphism Is Associated with a Higher Risk of DNA Damage in Pesticide-Exposed Fruit Growers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006; 15:659-66. [PMID: 16614106 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticide exposure is associated with various neoplastic diseases and congenital malformations. Animal studies also indicated that pesticides may be metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) enzymes, paraoxonases (PON1 and PON2), or glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1). However, little is known about the genotoxicity of pesticides in people with various genetic polymorphisms of human CYP3A5, PON1, PON2, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1. Thus, this study was designed to investigate whether various metabolic genotypes are more susceptible to DNA damage in pesticide-exposed fruit growers. Using the Comet assay, the extent of DNA damage was evaluated in the peripheral blood of 91 fruit growers who experienced pesticide exposure and 106 unexposed controls. Questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic data, cigarette smoking habits, medical, and occupational histories. The genotypes for CYP3A5, PON1, PON2, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes were identified by PCR. The results showed that subjects experiencing high or low pesticide exposure had a significantly greater DNA tail moment (DAN damage) than did controls. The multiple regression model also revealed that age (P < 0.01), high pesticide exposure (P < 0.01), low pesticide-exposure (P < 0.01), and CYP3A5 (P = 0.04) and GSTP1 (P = 0.02) genotypes were significantly associated with an increased DNA tail moment. Further analysis of environmental and genetic interactions revealed a significant interaction for GSTP1 genotypes to influence DNA tail moment for the high pesticide exposure group. These results suggest that individuals with susceptible metabolic GSTP1 genotypes may experience an increased risk of DNA damage elicited by pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jie Liu
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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31
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Bull S, Fletcher K, Boobis AR, Battershill JM. Evidence for genotoxicity of pesticides in pesticide applicators: a review. Mutagenesis 2006; 21:93-103. [PMID: 16567350 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gel011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic review of the literature has been conducted and studies reporting investigations of genotoxicity biomarkers in pesticide workers have been assessed with view to establishing whether there was evidence for any risk to those using pesticides approved in the United Kingdom. Each of the studies was evaluated using a set of criteria drawn up by members of the UK Committee of Mutagenicity based upon the guidelines proposed by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) working group [R. J. Albertini, D. Anderson, G. R. Douglas, L. Hagmar, K. Hemminki, F. Merlo, A. T. Natarajan, H. Norppa, D. E. Shuker, R. Tice, M. D. Waters and A. Aitio (2000) Mutat. Res., 463, 111-172]; 24 out of 70 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the substantive evaluation. Positive findings were compared with occupational practices and evidence of exposure to specific pesticides with view to developing hypotheses for further consideration. Seventeen of the 24 studies reported positive findings, although in the majority of these the magnitude of increase was small. There was some limited evidence that the use of benzimidazoles was more consistently associated with positive findings. However, limitations in the data, particularly evidence of exposure, did not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn. Also, it was noted that the use (or not) of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not well documented and in the few studies in which its use was reported, the findings were more likely to be positive in the absence of PPE usage. An independent epidemiological review concluded that all studies were of limited design, particularly with regards to study size, the assessment of subject selection and potential recruitment bias. Variance in genotoxicity indices in the control population and a lack of understanding of the factors influencing this variability complicate attempts to characterize positive responses. More substantive data are needed in this respect so that the significance of relatively small increases in biomonitoring indices can be accurately assessed. Once these data are available, a study in workers using benzimidazoles would be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bull
- DH Toxicology Unit, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK
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32
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Heepchantree W, Paratasilpin T, Kangwanpong D. A comparative biomonitoring study of populations residing in regions with low and high risk of lung cancer using the chromosome aberration and the micronucleus tests. Mutat Res 2005; 587:134-9. [PMID: 16185913 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2005.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2004] [Revised: 08/15/2005] [Accepted: 08/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests were performed in peripheral blood lymphocytes from people residing in two districts of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a high-risk area, Saraphi (n=107), where the lung cancer incidence is three-fold higher than in a low-risk area, Chom Thong (n=118). The percentage of cells with CAs was significantly lower in the Saraphi population than in the Chom Thong population (0.47+/-0.91 versus 1.04+/-1.18, P=0.0001) as was the percentage of CAs (0.49+/-0.91 versus 1.08+/-1.21, P<0.0001) and the mitotic indices (1.25+/-0.44 versus 1.33+/-0.33, P=0.025). The frequency of MN in binucleated (BN) cells, however, was significantly higher in the Saraphi population (12.01+/-3.57 versus 9.99+/-3.11, P<0.0001) as was the percentage of BN cells with MN (1.14+/-0.31 versus 0.93+/-0.23, P<0.0001). There was no difference in the nuclear division indices (1.49+/-0.07 versus 1.47+/-0.11, P=0.1759) between the two populations. With regard to the effect of confounding factors, it was found that cigarette smoking influenced both CA and MN frequencies, and that the chewing of fermented tea leaves or betel nuts affected CA and sex affected MN frequencies. An increasing of CA and MN frequencies were seen in smokers and chewers over non-smokers and non-chewers, with CA frequencies being higher in Chom Thong smokers and chewers and MN frequency being higher in Saraphi smokers. However, pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption had no impact on CA and MN frequencies. Due to the conflicting results obtained in the two tests, we cannot make a clear statement regarding the potential effects of the environmental exposures in the two study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worapa Heepchantree
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50202, Thailand
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Márquez C, Villalobos C, Poblete S, Villalobos E, de Los Angeles García M, Duk S. Cytogenetic damage in female Chilean agricultural workers exposed to mixtures of pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2005; 45:1-7. [PMID: 15605354 DOI: 10.1002/em.20085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The VIII Region of Bio-Bio is a major fruit-growing area of Chile that makes intensive use of agricultural pesticides. The cytogenetic damage associated with exposure to mixtures of pesticides was evaluated by comparing peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus (MN) frequencies in a group of 64 female agricultural workers and 30 female controls. The exposed subjects worked during the spring and summer in thinning and pruning fruit trees and in harvesting and packing different fruits, such as raspberries, grapes, apples, and kiwis. They did not use any protective measures during their work activities. A significant increase in the frequency of binucleated cells with micronuclei (BNMN) was found in the exposed women as compared with the controls (36.94 +/- 14.47 vs. 9.93 +/- 6.17 BNMN/1000 BN cells; P < 0.001). The frequency of BNMN varied as a function of age in both the exposed and control groups, but no correlation was found between BNMN frequency and the duration of exposure. Also, smoking and other habits had no effect on MN frequency. Our study confirms that occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures results in cytogenetic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Márquez
- Laboratorio de Citogenética y Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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34
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Undeğer U, Başaran N. Effects of pesticides on human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro: induction of DNA damage. Arch Toxicol 2004; 79:169-76. [PMID: 15798889 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-004-0616-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2004] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Because of the widespread use of pesticides for domestic and industrial applications the evaluation of their genotoxic effects is of major concern to public health. Although various experimental data have provided evidence that pesticides can possess genotoxic properties in animals and in in vitro test systems after acute and chronic exposure, the information on the genotoxic effects of some of pesticides is limited and inconsistent. In the present study, the genotoxic potential of commonly used pesticides (i.e., dimethoate and methyl parathion from the organophosphate class, propoxur and pirimicarb from carbamates, and cypermethrin and permethrin from pyrethroids) have been evaluated. The genotoxic effects of these substances were examined using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay in freshly isolated human peripheral lymphocytes. The cells were incubated with 10, 50, 100 and 200 microg/ml concentrations of the test substances for 0.5 h at 37 degrees C and DNA damage was compared with that obtained in lymphocytes from the same donor not treated with substances. Hydrogen peroxide, 100 microM, was used as a positive control. Within the concentration ranges studied, no significant cytotoxic effects were observed. Dimethoate and methyl parathion at 100 and 200 microg/ml; propoxur at 50, 100 and 200 microg/ml, and pirimicarb, cypermethrin and permethrin at 200 microg/ml significantly increased DNA damage in human lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Undeğer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Maurich T, Pistelli L, Turchi G. Anti-clastogenic activity of two structurally related pterocarpans purified from Bituminaria bituminosa in cultured human lymphocytes. Mutat Res 2004; 561:75-81. [PMID: 15238232 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2004.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2003] [Revised: 11/19/2003] [Accepted: 03/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Plant-derived isoflavones are currently receiving much attention because of their phyto-estrogenic, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, and anti-tumor activities. In this study we have evaluated the clastogenic and anti-clastogenic activities in human lymphocytes of two structurally related pterocarpans, iso-flavonoid derivatives, termed erybraedin C and bitucarpin A, recently purified from Bituminaria bituminosa and chemically characterized. Mitomycin C (MMC) and the radio-mimetic bleomycin (BL) were used as reference clastogens. The end point studied was micronucleus formation. The results obtained in this study indicate that erybraedin C and bitucarpin A, when assayed alone, do not affect either the mitotic index or the cell-proliferation index of human lymphocytes. Interestingly, both compounds appear to be non-clastogenic in the range of concentrations used. In contrast, both substances seem to affect significantly the clastogenic effects induced by BL and MMC. A 1-h pre-exposition of the cell culture to erybraedin C was necessary to display its anti-clastogenic potential against BL, whereas bitucarpin A was inactive in this respect, with a structure-activity relationship. In contrast, the clastogenic activity of MMC was significantly reduced by both erybraedin C and bitucarpin A, using either a pre-incubation schedule or simultaneous treatment. These results suggest that the protective effects displayed by the two anti-clastogenic compounds against MMC could be due to the induction or inhibition of cellular reductive metabolic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Maurich
- Mutagenesis and Biochemistry in Somatic Cells Unit, IBF CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
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Bolognesi C, Landini E, Perrone E, Roggieri P. Cytogenetic biomonitoring of a floriculturist population in Italy: micronucleus analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with an all-chromosome centromeric probe. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2004; 557:109-17. [PMID: 14729365 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2003.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Flower production in greenhouses associated with a heavy use of pesticides is very wide-spread in the western part of the Ligurian region (Italy). The formation of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes is a valuable cytogenetic biomarker in human populations occupationally exposed to genotoxic compounds. In the present study we investigated the micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 52 floriculturists and 24 control subjects by use of the cytokinesis-block methodology associated with fluorescence in situ hybridization with a pan-centromeric probe that allowed to distinguish centromere-positive (C+) and centromere-negative (C-) micronuclei. The comparison between floriculturists and controls did not reveal any statistically significant difference in micronucleus frequency, although an increase was observed with increasing pesticide use, number of genotoxic pesticides used and duration of exposure. An increase in C+ as well as in C- micronuclei and in the percentage of C+ micronuclei with respect to the total number of micronuclei was detected in floriculturists, suggesting a higher contribution of C+ micronuclei in the total number scored. The percentage C+ micronuclei was not related to the duration of exposure or to the number of genotoxic pesticides used, but a higher percentage (66.52% versus 63.78%) was observed in a subgroup of subjects using benzimidazolic compounds, compared with the floriculturist population exposed to a complex pesticide mixture not including benzimidazolics. These results suggest a potential human hazard associated with the exposure to this class of aneuploidy-inducing carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bolognesi
- Environmental Carcinogenesis Unit, National Cancer Research Institute, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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37
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Abstract
Pesticides constitute a heterogeneous category of chemicals specifically designed for the control of pests, weeds or plant diseases. Pesticides have been considered potential chemical mutagens: experimental data revealed that various agrochemical ingredients possess mutagenic properties inducing mutations, chromosomal alterations or DNA damage. Biological monitoring provides a useful tool to estimate the genetic risk deriving from an integrated exposure to a complex mixture of chemicals. Studies available in scientific literature have essentially focused on cytogenetic end-points to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of pesticides in occupationally exposed populations, including pesticide manufacturing workers, pesticide applicators, floriculturists and farm workers. A positive association between occupational exposure to complex pesticide mixtures and the presence of chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) has been detected in the majority of the studies, although a number of these failed to detect cytogenetic damage. Conflicting results from cytogenetic studies reflect the heterogeneity of the groups studied with regard to chemicals used and exposure conditions. Genetic damage associated with pesticides occurs in human populations subject to high exposure levels due to intensive use, misuse or failure of control measures. The majority of studies on cytogenetic biomarkers in pesticide-exposed workers have indicated some dose-dependent effects, with increasing duration or intensity of exposure. Chromosomal damage induced by pesticides appears to have been transient in acute or discontinuous exposure, but cumulative in continuous exposure to complex agrochemical mixtures. Data available at present on the effect of genetic polymorphism on susceptibility to pesticides does not allow any conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bolognesi
- Toxicological Evaluation Unit, National Cancer Research Institute, Genova, Italy.
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Bonassi S, Neri M, Lando C, Ceppi M, Lin YP, Chang WP, Holland N, Kirsch-Volders M, Zeiger E, Fenech M. Effect of smoking habit on the frequency of micronuclei in human lymphocytes: results from the Human MicroNucleus project. Mutat Res 2003; 543:155-66. [PMID: 12644185 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(03)00013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effect of tobacco smoking on the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in human lymphocytes has been the object of many population studies. In most reports, the results were unexpectedly negative, and in many instances smokers had lower frequencies of MN than non-smokers. A pooled re-analysis of 24 databases from the HUMN international collaborative project has been performed with the aim of understanding the impact of smoking habits on MN frequency. The complete database included 5710 subjects, with 3501 non-smokers, 1409 current smokers, and 800 former smokers, among subjects in occupational and environmental surveys. The overall result of the re-analysis confirmed the small decrease of MN frequencies in current smokers (frequency ratio (FR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93-1.01) and in former smokers (FR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91-1.01), when compared to non-smokers. MN frequency was not influenced by the number of cigarettes smoked per day among subjects occupationally exposed to genotoxic agents, whereas a typical U-shaped curve is observed for non-exposed smokers, showing a significant increase of MN frequency in individuals smoking 30 cigarettes or more per day (FR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.35-1.88). This analysis confirmed that smokers do not experience an overall increase in MN frequency, although when the interaction with occupational exposure is taken into account, heavy smokers were the only group showing a significant increase in genotoxic damage as measured by the micronucleus assay in lymphocytes. From these results some general recommendations for the design of biomonitoring studies involving smokers can be formulated. Quantitative data about smoking habit should always be collected because, in the absence of such data, the simple comparison of smokers versus non-smokers could be misleading. The sub-group of heavy smokers (> or =30 cigarettes per day) should be specifically evaluated whenever it is large enough to satisfy statistical requirements. The presence of an interaction between smoking habit and occupational exposure to genotoxic agents should be always tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bonassi
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Largo R Benzi, Genoa, Italy.
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Grover P, Danadevi K, Mahboob M, Rozati R, Banu BS, Rahman MF. Evaluation of genetic damage in workers employed in pesticide production utilizing the Comet assay. Mutagenesis 2003; 18:201-5. [PMID: 12621077 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/18.2.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of pesticides has been increasing in recent years, resulting in the need for increased production of pesticides. However, some pesticides may represent a hazard to human health, especially by causing cancer. Genotoxicity tests form an important part of cancer research and risk assessment of potential carcinogens. Therefore, in the current study the potential DNA damage associated with exposure to pesticides of Indian pesticide production workers was assessed using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay or Comet assay. Blood leukocytes of a group of 54 pesticide workers and an equal number of control subjects were examined for genotoxicity in this study. The two groups had similar mean ages and smoking prevalences. The mean comet tail length was used to measure DNA damage. The exposed workers had significantly greater mean comet tail lengths than those of controls (mean +/- SD 19.17 +/- 2.467 versus 8.938 +/- 2.889, P < 0.001). Smokers had significantly larger mean tail lengths than non-smokers (19.75 +/- 2.52 versus 18.26 +/- 2.13, P = 0.024). Analysis of covariance showed that occupational exposure (P < 0.05) and smoking (P < 0.05) had significant effects on mean tail length, whereas age and gender had no effect on DNA damage. The present study suggests that occupational exposure to pesticides and smoking can cause DNA damage. This investigation confirms the sensitivity of the Comet assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramjit Grover
- Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500 007, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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40
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Piperakis SM, Petrakou E, Tsilimigaki S, Sagnou M, Monogiudis E, Haniotakis G, Karkaseli H, Sarikaki E. Biomonitoring with the comet assay of Greek greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2003; 41:104-110. [PMID: 12605379 DOI: 10.1002/em.10143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The pesticides in use in Greek greenhouses include a number of agents known to be mutagens and carcinogens. In the present study, we evaluated whether occupational exposure of agricultural workers to a complex mixture of pesticides resulted in a significant increase in DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). A total of 116 healthy individuals were divided into groups based on exposure to pesticides, smoking status, and gender. Alkaline comet assays performed on PBLs from these individuals indicated no statistically significant differences in basal DNA damage between the study groups. In addition, exposure of PBLs to a dose of hydrogen peroxide led to a similar degree of DNA damage and subsequent repair for all the study populations. The results of the study indicate that the agricultural workers who participated in this study had no detectable increase in DNA damage or alteration in the cellular response to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Piperakis
- DNA Repair Lab, Institute of Biology, National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, Athens, Greece.
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41
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Pacheco ADO, Hackel C. [Chromosome instability induced by agrochemicals among farm workers in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2002; 18:1675-83. [PMID: 12488895 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2002000600022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A major share of the grain farming (wheat and soybeans) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul is in the Passo Fundo area. For crop pest control, large amounts of agrochemicals (fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides) are used. To evaluate the genotoxicity of these products, the micronucleus test was performed in farm workers directly exposed to these chemicals. Heparinized blood samples were drawn by venipuncture from 30 exposed workers and 30 non-exposed controls. Micronuclei frequency was evaluated by counting 1,000 binucleated cells per individual in both groups. Smoking habits, age, and duration of exposure showed no effect on the frequency of micronuclei in both groups. However, statistical analysis showed significantly higher mean numbers of binucleated cells with micronuclei in exposed individuals (14.3/1,000 cells) as compared to controls (7.1/1,000 cells), allowing the authors to conclude that the micronucleus test is an efficient biological assay for monitoring population exposure to mixtures of agrochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil de Oliveira Pacheco
- Laboratório de Citogenética Humana, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS 90001-970, Brasil.
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42
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Paz-y-Miño C, Dávalos MV, Sánchez ME, Arévalo M, Leone PE. Should gaps be included in chromosomal aberration analysis? Evidence based on the comet assay. Mutat Res 2002; 516:57-61. [PMID: 11943611 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(02)00021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated DNA damage in human lymphocytes due to occupational exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation using two assays: the comet assay and chromosomal aberration (CA) analysis including and excluding gaps. The results obtained reveal a higher correlation between both methods when chromatid and chromosome gaps were included in the correlation analysis (r=0.78 versus r=0.50). This increased correlation support the hypothesis that the gaps constitute a type of chromosome aberration, and suggest that these events should be scored in this type of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Paz-y-Miño
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Citogenética Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, P.O. Box 17-1-2184, Quito, Ecuador.
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43
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Pastor S, Creus A, Xamena N, Siffel C, Marcos R. Occupational exposure to pesticides and cytogenetic damage: results of a Hungarian population study using the micronucleus assay in lymphocytes and buccal cells. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2002; 40:101-109. [PMID: 12203402 DOI: 10.1002/em.10100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in buccal epithelial cells was used as a biomarker of genotoxic effects resulting from occupational exposure to pesticides. In addition, the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) was calculated to detect possible variations in the proliferative kinetics of lymphocytes due to pesticide exposure. This study was performed on 84 pesticide-exposed workers and 65 unexposed controls from Hungary. The pesticide-exposed workers, classified as moderately and highly exposed, were also evaluated separately. Statistical evaluation of the cytogenetic biomarkers indicated that there were no significant differences between pesticide-exposed workers and controls, nor between moderately and highly exposed workers. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis revealed that additional factors such as age, sex, ingestion of raw vegetables, and working as a pesticide applicator affected lymphocyte MN frequency. In addition, age, sex, and smoking affected the frequency of MN in buccal cells. Results from the CBPI analysis showed that the proliferation index decreased with pesticide exposure and that this parameter was also affected by smoking and by the gender of individuals. The results of this study indicate no significant increase in MN in this group of Hungarian workers; however, the reduced CBPI in the highly exposed population suggests a possible genotoxic effect of pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Pastor
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Edifici Cn, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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44
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Pastor S, Gutiérrez S, Creus A, Cebulska-Wasilewska A, Marcos R. Micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells of Polish farmers exposed to pesticides. Mutat Res 2001; 495:147-56. [PMID: 11448652 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(01)00206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this biomonitoring study, we investigated whether an occupational exposure to a complex mixture of chemical pesticides produced a significant increase of micronuclei (MN) in both peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal cells. Forty-nine male workers exposed to pesticides, from an agricultural area of Malopolska Region in Southern Poland, together with 50 men from the same area without indication of exposure to pesticides that served as controls, were used in this investigation. No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of cytogenetic damage were detected between exposed and control individuals, for either type of cells. The multiple linear regression analysis in the case of lymphocytes indicated that the studied cytogenetic endpoints were inversely influenced by alcohol; whilst a negative binomial regression, in the case of buccal cells, indicated that the MN values were directly influenced by the ingestion of red meat. An inverse negative relationship between the cytokinesis-block proliferation index and age, and a significant increase of miscarriages due to the exposure to pesticides were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pastor
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Ciències, Edifici Cn, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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45
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Shaham J, Kaufman Z, Gurvich R, Levi Z. Frequency of sister-chromatid exchange among greenhouse farmers exposed to pesticides. Mutat Res 2001; 491:71-80. [PMID: 11287300 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(01)00130-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) was measured in peripheral lymphocytes of 104 greenhouse farmers exposed to pesticides and 44 unexposed workers. The results of SCEs are expressed in two variables: (a) mean number of SCEs per chromosome and, (b) proportion of high frequency cells (cells with more than eight SCEs). A high correlation was found between these two variables. The adjusted means of both SCEs variables were significantly higher among the farmers compared with the unexposed group (P < 0.01). Adjustment was made for smoking, age, education, and origin. The adjusted means of both SCE variables, were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) among the farmers who prepared and applied more than 70% of the pesticides by themselves compared with those who prepared and applied less than 70% of the pesticides by themselves. Both SCEs variables were also significantly elevated (P < 0.05) among farmers who were involved in more than 7.4 sprays per year compared with those with 7.4 or less sprays per year (P < 0.05). We found a tendency towards elevation of the two variables of SCEs among those who did not use protective measures while preparing the pesticides. Evaluation of the influence of years of exposure on the frequency of SCEs showed that the two variables of SCEs were higher among those farmers who were exposed to pesticides for more than 21 years than among those with less than 21 years of exposure. The variables that had the most influence on the elevation of SCEs were self-preparation of the pesticide mixtures and the number of sprayings per year. Because the farmers used a mixture of almost 24 different chemical classes it was impossible to attribute exposure to a specific pesticide or group of pesticides to single farmers. Our finding of a significant increase of SCEs frequency in peripheral lymphocytes in greenhouse farmers indicates a potential cytogenetic hazard due to pesticides exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shaham
- Occupational Cancer Department, National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 3, Raanana, Israel.
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46
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Martelli A, Robbiano L, Cosso M, Perrone C, Tagliazucchi A, Giuliano L, Aresca GF, Brambilla G. Comparison of micronuclei frequencies in mono-, bi- and poly-nucleated lymphocytes from subjects of a residential suburb and subjects living near a metallurgical plant. Mutat Res 2000; 470:211-9. [PMID: 11027976 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(00)00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous baseline frequencies of micronuclei in mono-, bi- and poly-nucleated lymphocytes were analyzed, using the cytokinesis-block technique, in 103 subjects living in a residential suburb (Genova-Nervi), and in 203 subjects living in an urban industrialized area near a metallurgical plant and a coke factory (Genova-Cornigliano). Statistical analysis showed that the average frequency of micronucleated binucleated lymphocytes (MnBNL) was significantly higher (1.42-fold) in donors of Nervi than in donors of Cornigliano living in a contaminated environment. In contrast, the average frequency of micronucleated polynucleated lymphocytes (MnPNL) was significantly higher (1.66-fold) in donors of Cornigliano than in donors of Nervi. The existence in the whole population examined of a positive correlation between frequency of MnBNL and frequency of MnPNL and the absence of a positive correlation between frequency of bi- and poly-nucleated lymphocytes and frequency of MnPNL suggest that the formation of MnPNL is a consequence of genetic damage and not of mitotic errors arising during the division of bi- and poly-nucleated cells. In agreement with previous findings the frequency of MnBNL increased with age and was significantly higher in females than in males; unexpectedly it was higher in non-smokers/non-drinkers than in smokers/drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 2, I-16132, Genoa, Italy
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47
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48
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Gómez-Arroyo S, Díaz-Sánchez Y, Meneses-Pérez MA, Villalobos-Pietrini R, De León-Rodríguez J. Cytogenetic biomonitoring in a Mexican floriculture worker group exposed to pesticides. Mutat Res 2000; 466:117-24. [PMID: 10751733 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(99)00231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cytogenetic damage in floriculturists of Morelos State, Mexico, exposed to pesticides, was evaluated by mean of biological tests based on sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes of peripheral blood and micronuclei (MN) in exfoliated cells of the buccal mucosa. Besides the cytogenetic analysis, the effects of pesticides exposure on the cell proliferation kinetics (CPK) by the replication index (RI) were also studied. The mitotic index (MI) to detect cytotoxic effects was also determined. Greenhouses of the towns of Santa Catarina, Jiutepec and Yecapixtla were selected for the study, because the application of chemicals to the flowers is uncontrolled. As non-exposed group, people of the town of Temisco were chosen; their activity was not related to pesticides. The SCE were analyzed in the peripheral blood of 30 persons, 22 women and 8 men, with 10 and 1.5 years of exposure to pesticides, respectively, and of 30 persons, 28 women and 2 men, that were considered as the non-exposed group. Samples of buccal mucosa were also taken from each person. Significant differences between exposed and non-exposed groups were found in SCE, CKP and MI. Besides, the MN frequencies in the exposed group were three times higher than in the non-exposed group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gómez-Arroyo
- Laboratorio de Citogenética Ambiental, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico.
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49
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Lucero L, Pastor S, Suárez S, Durbán R, Gómez C, Parrón T, Creus A, Marcos R. Cytogenetic biomonitoring of Spanish greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides: micronuclei analysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells. Mutat Res 2000; 464:255-62. [PMID: 10648912 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(99)00200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we evaluate whether or not occupational exposure to a complex mixture of pesticides results in a significant increase of micronuclei (MN) in both peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal cells. Sixty four greenhouse workers from Almería (Southeastern Spain), together with 50 men from the same area, without indication of exposure to pesticides, that served as controls were used in this investigation. The results obtained indicate that there are no statistically significant differences in the MN frequencies between the two groups. Each donor was assessed for the presence or absence of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), to look for relationships between the genotypes and the cytogenetic reponses. According to the GSTT1 genotype, there is a difference between both groups only for the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI). Neither GSTM1 nor smoking habit and age showed any effect in the overall analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lucero
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Ciències, Edifici Cn, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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50
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Gr�gio D'Arce LP, C�lus IMDS. Cytogenetic and molecular biomonitoring of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6866(2000)20:3<161::aid-tcm7>3.0.co;2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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