Polymorphism of TGF-β1, TР53, CHEK2, ATM genes аnd chromosomal aberrations in workers at coal thermal electric power station

Introduction. Working conditions at coal-fired power plants cause an increased risk of the formation of chromosomal damage in workers. The contribution of the variability of the structure of the genes controlling the cell cycle and apoptosis to the occurrence of cytogenetic disorders induced by such mutagens has been little studied. Material and methods. The polymorphic variants of the genes: TP53 (rs1042522), CHEK2 (rs555607708), ATM (rs1801516), TGF-β1 (rs1800469), and the level of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in the lymphocytes of the blood were studied. Three hundred twenty-six workers of coal-fired power plants and 267 individuals who did not work in industrial enterprises were examined. All individuals were Caucasians, residents of Kemerovo (Western Siberia, Russia). Results. The level of CA in blood lymphocytes in thermal power plant workers was established to be statistically significantly higher than that of residents of the same locality who never works in industrial enterprises (3.05 ± 0.09% versus 1.67 ± 0.07%, p = 0, 000001). The prevalence of the polymorphic variants of the TP53 (rs1042522), CHEK2 (rs555607708), ATM (rs1801516), TGF-β1 (rs1800469) genes in the group of workers was the same to those in the comparison group and corresponded to the global data obtained in Caucasians. In the group of workers with the TT genotype of the TGF-β1 gene, the frequency of metaphases with chromosome damage was statistically significantly higher than in individuals with the CC genotype (4.07 ± 0.41% versus 2.85 ± 0.10%, p = 0.006). Discussion. For the first time a significant contribution of polymorphic variants of TGF-β1 genes to the formation of chromosomal damage in working coal-fired power plants was revealed. This may be associated with an increased level of expression of the multifunctional cytokine TGF-β1 in owners of the TT genotype and its ability to influence proliferation, apoptosis, telomerase activity, and other critical cellular processes. Conclusion. The results of the study I, ndicate that not only the complex of industrial genotoxicants, but also individual genetic characteristics of the organism can influence on the formation of cytogenetic disorders in workers at thermal power plants.

Analysis of Cycle Configurations for the Modernization of Combined Heat and Power Plant by Fitting a Gas Turbine System

The application of a gas turbine generally allows to increase the number of possible configurations of cogenerated heat and electrical power systems, which became a significant substitute for classic, coal-fired power plants. They are characterized by better thermodynamical, economical, ecological, and operating indexes. Gas turbine units are also the best option for the modernization of existing power plants. This paper discusses the effectiveness of various technological configurations with gas turbines, which are to be applied during modernization projects of already existing conventional combined heat and power plants. In the analysis enthalpy and entropy methods were applied. Algorithms of the entropy method allow to determine the entropy generation in each section of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. Several criteria were taken into consideration while analyzing the effectiveness of technological cycle configurations with gas turbines. These include the energy effectiveness, the efficiency of the HRSG and the steam cycle, the efficiency of the whole thermal electric power station, the exergetic efficiency of the HRSG and the steam cycle, and the fuel efficiency index. It was assumed that gas turbines operate under their nominal conditions. The composite curves were also taken into consideration while choosing the type of the turbine. The modernization project tends not to eliminate those existing power plant sections (machines and equipment), which are able to operate further. The project suggests that those units should remain in the system, which satisfy the applied durability criterion. The last phase of the optimization project focuses on the sensibility verification of several steam-gas CHP plant parameters and their influence on the whole system.

Analysis of Cycle Configurations for the Modernization of Combined Heat and Power Plant by Fitting a Gas Turbine System

The application of a gas turbine generally allows to increase the number of possible configurations of cogenerated heat and electrical power systems, which became a significant substitute for classic, coal-fired power plants. They are characterized by better thermodynamical, economical, ecological and operating indexes. Gas turbine units are also the best option for the moderinization of existing power plants. This paper discusses the effectiveness of various technological configurations with gas turbines, which are to be applied during modernization projects of already existing conventional combined heat and power plants. In the analysis and entropy methods were applied. Algorithms of the entropy method allow to determine the entropy generation in each section of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. Several criteria were taken into consideration while analyzing the effectiveness of technological cycle configurations with gas turbines. These include the energy effectiveness, the efficiency of the HRSG and the steam cycle, the efficiency of the whole thermal electric power station, the exergetic efficiency of the HRSG and the steam cycle, and the fuel efficiency index. It was assumed that gas turbines operate under their nominal conditions. The composite curves were also taken into consideration while choosing the type of the turbine. The modernization project tends not to eliminate those exiqsting power plant sections (machines and equipment), which are able to operate further. The project suggests that those units should remain in the system, which satisfy the applied durability criterion. The last phase of the optimization project focuses on the sensibility verification of several steam-gas CHP plant parameters and their influence on the whole system.