Micronucleus frequencies in lymphocytes and buccal cells in formaldehyde exposed workers

Intensive agrochemical use in coffee production in the Global South has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pesticide exposure in male farmworkers in the Dominican Republic comparing conventional farming using pesticides to organic farming. Furthermore, feasibility of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCA) for field studies under difficult local conditions was tested. In a cross-sectional field study, pesticide exposed (sprayers) and non-exposed male workers on coffee plantations were interviewed about exposure history, and pesticide application practices. Buccal cells were sampled, and BMCA was applied to assess potential effects on cell integrity. In total, 38 pesticide-exposed and 33 non-exposed workers participated. Eighty-four and 87%, respectively, of the pesticide-exposed respondents did not use masks or gloves at all. All biomarkers from the BMCA were significantly more frequent among exposed workers—odds ratio for micronucleated cells: 3.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–7.4) or karyolysis: 1.3 (1.1–1.5). Buccal cells as sensitive markers of toxic oral or respiratory exposures proved feasible for challenging field studies. Our findings indicate that the impact of pesticide use is not restricted to acute effects on health and wellbeing, but also points to long-term health risks. Therefore, occupational safety measures including training and protective clothing are needed, as well as encouragement towards minimal application of pesticides and more widespread use of organic farming.

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Assessment of DNA damage through micronucleus studies in subjects exposed to formalin

MedPulse International Journal of Anatomy ◽

10.26611/10011911 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 01-05

Author(s):

K Sriambika ◽

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Micronucleus Assay ◽

Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽

International Agency ◽

Control Group ◽

Buccal Cells ◽

Exposed Workers ◽

The Mean ◽

The Relationship

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is the reactive and simplest of all the aldehydes. It is used as a preservative in anatomy, pathology and forensic laboratories. The international agency for research on cancer has classified FA as a carcinogen that can cause nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Leukaemia, Liver and pancreatic cancer. Objective And Method: The aim of the study was to assess the DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in buccal cells by Micronucleus assay in Formalin exposed workers of Anatomy, Pathology and Forensic laboratories and compare with the control group, and also to analyze the relationship between frequency of Micronuclei and duration of exposure to formalin. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of micronuclei in peripheral blood of exposed was 8.35 and in controls was 4.18. There was a significant increase in the frequency of MN in exposed group when compared with the comparison group (p<0. 5876). Pearson’s correlation test showed a positive correlation between the years of FA exposure and the number of micronuclei in buccal cells and peripheral blood indicating that DNA damage due to FA was directly proportional to the duration of exposure (r=0.8, 0.9). Conclusion: The present study was done to assess the DNA damage in people who were exposed to FA and a control group not exposed to FA by buccal cell and peripheral blood Micronucleus Assay. There was a significant increase in the MN in people exposed to FA which was directly proportional to the duration of exposure.

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Genotoxic Effects Due to Exposure to Chromium and Nickel Among Electroplating Workers

International Journal of Toxicology ◽

10.1177/1091581818764084 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

pp. 234-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Amal Mohamed Kamal El Safty ◽

Aisha Mohamed Samir ◽

Mona Kamal Mekkawy ◽

Marwa Mohamed Fouad

Keyword(s):

Micronucleus Test ◽

Combined Exposure ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Buccal Cells ◽

Genotoxic Effects ◽

Adverse Health Effects ◽

Serum Chromium ◽

Exposed Workers ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Laboratory Investigations

Using chromium and nickel for electroplating is important in many industries. This process induces variable adverse health effects among exposed workers. The aim of this study is to detect the genotoxic effects of combined exposure to chromium and nickel among electroplating workers. This study was conducted on 41 male workers occupationally exposed to chromium and nickel in the electroplating section of a factory compared to 41 male nonexposed individuals, where full history and clinical examination were performed. Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum chromium, nickel, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and micronuclei were measured in buccal cells. In exposed workers, serum chromium ranged from 0.09 to 7.20 µg/L, serum nickel ranged from 1.20 to 28.00 µg/L, serum 8-OHdG ranged from 1.09 to12.60 ng/mL, and these results were statistically significantly increased compared to nonexposed group ( P < 0.001). Electroplaters showed higher frequencies of micronuclei in buccal cells when compared to nonexposed (ranged from 20.00 to 130.00 N/1,000 versus 2.00 to 28.00 N/1,000; P < 0.001). Linear regression models were done to detect independent predictors of 8-OHdG and micronucleus test by comparing exposed and nonexposed groups. The model found that exposure to chromium and nickel increases serum 8-OHdG by 4.754 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.54-5.96). The model found that exposure to chromium and nickel increases micronucleus by 35.927 (95% CI: 28.517-43.337). Serum 8-OHdG and micronucleus test in buccal cells were increased with combined exposure to chromium and nickel. The current research concluded that workers exposed to nickel and chromium in electroplating industry are at risk of significant cytogenetic damage.

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