Influence of genetic polymorphism on t,t-MA/S-PMA ratio in 301 benzene exposed subjects

- Non-smokers have lower S-PMA and a higher R in GSTT1 null than in positive genotypes.
- In smokers GSTT1 effect is confirmed, also in GSTM1 null, but not in GSTA1 wild type.
- GSTs compensates each other in GSTM1 and GSTA1 defective subjects, not in GSTT1 null.
- GSTT1 null show average excretion of S-PMA of about 50% of the positive genotypes.
- S-PMA as dose biomarker underestimates the benzene exposure of GSTT1 null subjects.

This study investigated the effect of polymorphic genes GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTA1, EHPX1, NQO1, CYP2E1, CYP1A and MPO on the urinary concentrations and ratio (R) of the benzene metabolites trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenyl mercapturic acid (S-PMA) in 301 oil refinery workers. The metabolites' concentrations are lower and R is higher (100.66) in non-smokers (n = 184) than in smokers (n = 117, R = 36.54). Non-smokers have lower S-PMA and a higher R in GSTT1 null genotypes than in positive, and a higher S-PMA and a lower R in GSTA1 wild type genotypes. In smokers the GSTT1 null genotype effect on both S-PMA and R is confirmed, and is also shown in GSTM1 null, but not in GSTA1 wild type genotypes. GSTT1 null polymorphism reduces the conjugation rate of benzene epoxide with GSH, and to a lesser extent also GSTTA1 mutant, GSTM1 null and NQO1 mutant genotypes. The activity of one GST is compensated by another in GSTM1 and GSTA1 defective subjects, but not in GSTT1 null genotypes, whose average S-PMA excretion is about 50% with respect to the positive ones, for the same benzene exposure. R showed to be a more sensitive marker for these effects than the metabolite levels.