Individual susceptibility and genotoxicity in workers exposed to hazardous materials like lead

The present study was undertaken to investigate lead-induced toxicity in occupationally exposed humans and to evaluate whether genetic damage can be correlated with the known clinical indicators of lead poisoning. For this purpose, genotoxicity biomarkers along with some clinical indices of lead poisoning were determined in blood samples of battery plant workers and compared with healthy control subjects. Workers had significantly increased chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and DNA damage compared to the controls. Increased blood lead levels (BLLs), decreased hemoglobin, PCV and symptoms of lead poisoning were used as clinical indices of lead toxicity. In addition gene polymorphisms in ALAD and MGP gene were investigated and correlated with BLL and hemoglobin content. Our results showed no significant effects of the ALAD G177C polymorphism on BLL concentrations and BLL concentrations varied to levels much above the normal reference ranges independent of the genotype. Although, significance could not be achieved, ALAD 1-2/2-2 type subjects had numerically higher BLLs (76.2-89.1 μg/dl), compared to ALAD 1-1 volunteers (21.8-79.1 μg/dl). Similarly, this study also aimed to identify the relation of some SNPs with emphasis on lead toxicity and since MGP gene is an important biomarker associated with calcium metabolism; it was hypothesized that it may be associated with lead toxicity. However, we did not find any significant association of MGP T-138C and lead poisoning. Further studies on the role of gene polymorphisms over a larger population along with genotoxicity parameters and biochemical analyses may serve to understand lead toxicity.