p53-Dependent gene profiling for reactive oxygen species after benzene inhalation: Special reference to genes associated with cell cycle regulation

Functional gene expressions after benzene exposure are not always detected, because their phenotypic expressions are often masked by the balance of expression of genes participating in various pathways of homeostasis, for example, p53. Thus, the actual expressions of the above-mentioned cell cycle-related genes may not be clearly detected. However, when one examines the genes after benzene exposure without p53 gene participation (i.e., p53 was knocked out), various cell cycle-related genes expressed during and after benzene exposure are identified, such as cyclin B1, cyclin D3 and growth hormone in the bone marrow. Since age-related impairments of p53 gene function in somatic cells are known, the possible alteration of those genes would be based not only on a theoretical model, but possible risks posed on the elderly should also be taken into consideration.