Study on the Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Disorders, BDNF Gene, TPH-2 Gene, and Mental Health in Coal Mine Workers in China

Background: Coal is the core energy source of the global energy system. To ensure the sustainable development of the coal industry, the mental health of coal miners is crucial. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2018 and June 2019. A total of 1,675 coal miners were surveyed using the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). At the same time, polymorphisms in the BDNF gene (rs6265, rs10835210) and TPH2 gene (rs4570625, rs4131347) in whole blood DNA were detected to analyze the influence of a gene-environment interaction on mental health. Results: The results showed that the mental health status of coal miners was poorer than the Chinese norm (P < 0.05). The mental health status of workers with MSDs was lower; MSDs interact with the BDNF gene rs6265 and TPH2 gene rs4570625, which affects mental health. Conclusions: It is suggested that employers should improve the working environment of workers, shorten the working time, pay attention to the mental health of workers, and provide timely psychological counseling to workers who suffer from mental health problems, so as to improve workers’ mental health and working ability, as well as their quality of life.