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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-10-2012 | Original Article

Evaluation of genotoxic effects of lead in pottery-glaze workers using micronucleus assay, alkaline comet assay and DNA diffusion assay

Authors: V. Kašuba, R. Rozgaj, M. Milić, D. Želježić, N. Kopjar, A. Pizent, Z. Kljaković-Gašpić, A. Jazbec

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2012

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to lead acetate in pottery-glaze ceramic workers.

Methods

The study was carried out in 30 exposed workers and 30 matched controls, to whom several biochemical parameters—the blood lead (B-Pb; range: exposed, 41.68–404.77; controls, 12–52) and cadmium (B-Cd) level, the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), the level of vitamin B₁₂ and folate in serum—were measured. The genotoxic effects were evaluated by the alkaline comet assay, the DNA diffusion assay and micronucleus test in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Results

Subjects exposed to lead had significantly higher B-Pb level and, consequently, increased values of tail intensity (TI), frequency of apoptotic and necrotic cells, and frequency of micronuclei (MN). In contrast, their activity of ALAD, the level of vitamin B₁₂ and folate in serum were significantly lower compared to controls. Poisson regression analysis showed a significant correlation of profession, duration of exposure, smoking, level of cadmium in blood, ALAD and EP with primary DNA damage. A majority of primary damage repairs in a short period after exposure to a genotoxic agent. In addition, the influence of gender and level of vitamin B₁₂ and folate in serum MN frequency in exposed group was observed.

Conclusions

In this study, DNA diffusion and micronucleus test showed higher influence of tested parameters to DNA damage. The results indicate a need for concomitant use of at least two different biomarkers of exposure when estimating a genetic risk of lead exposure.

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Title: Evaluation of genotoxic effects of lead in pottery-glaze workers using micronucleus assay, alkaline comet assay and DNA diffusion assay
Authors: V. Kašuba
R. Rozgaj
M. Milić
D. Želježić
N. Kopjar
A. Pizent
Z. Kljaković-Gašpić
A. Jazbec
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0726-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of genotoxic effects of lead in pottery-glaze workers using micronucleus assay, alkaline comet assay and DNA diffusion assay

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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