DNA damage analysis concerning GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism in gold jewellery workers from Peshawar Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the genotoxic effects of gold jewellery fumes and its association with GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms.

Materials and methods

We examined 94 subjects including 54 gold jewellery workers and 40 controls. The DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay and genotyping by PCR.

Results

The mean total comet score (TCS) in gold jewellery workers was significantly higher as compared to the control subjects (128.0 ± 60.6 versus 47.7 ± 21.4; p = 0.0001). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on the TCS of the exposed group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in the exposed group was significant (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. No significant association (p > 0.05) between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and DNA damage was found.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that there is increased DNA damage in gold jewellery workers due to their occupational surroundings. Hence there is a strong need to educate the workers about the adverse health effects of potentially hazardous chemicals and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Keywords:

• Comet assay
• DNA damage
• gold jewellery workers
• GSTM1
• GSTT1

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to the Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan for funding this research work and to all blood donors for their voluntary participation in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).