Genomic damages in peripheral blood lymphocytes and association with polymorphisms of three glutathione S-transferases in workers exposed to formaldehyde

Abstract

DNA and chromosome damages in peripheral blood lymphocytes were evaluated in 151 workers occupationally exposed to formaldehyde (FA) and 112 non-FA exposed controls. The effects of polymorphisms in three glutathione-. S-transferase (. GSTs) genes on the DNA and chromosome damages were assessed as well. Alkaline comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay were used to determine DNA and chromosome damages, respectively. The genotypes of . GSTP1 (Ile105Val), . GSTT1, and . GSTM1 were assayed. The mean 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of FA in two plywood factories were 0.83. ppm (range: 0.08-6.30. ppm). FA-exposed workers had higher olive tail moment (TM) and CBMN frequency compared with controls (Olive TM, 3.54, 95%CI. =. 3.19-3.93 vs. 0.93, 95%CI. =. 0.78-1.10, . P