[Association analysis of polymorphisms of metabolizing enzyme genes with chronic benzene poisoning based on logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of polymorphisms of metabolizing enzyme genes with chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) comprehensively by case-control design. METHODS: 152 CBP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 genes such as CYP2E1 were tested by PCR-RFLP, sequencing approaches. Logistic regression model was used to detect main effects and 2-order interaction effects of gene and/or environment. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to detect high-order gene-gene or gene-environment interactions. RESULTS: Based on logistic regression, the main effects of GSTP1 rs947894, EPHX1 rs1051740, CYP1A1 rs4646903, CYP2D6 rs1065852 and rs1135840 were found to be significant (P < 0.05) while the confounding factors of sex, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and the intensity of benzene exposure were controlled. EPHX1 rs1051740 might be associated with CBP (P = 0.06). There existed 3 types of interactions were as followed: interactions of GSTP1 rs947894 with alcohol consumption, CYP2E1 rs3813867 with EPHX1 rs3738047, EPHX1 rs3738047 with alcohol consumption(P < 0.05), while the main effects of CYP2E1 rs3813867 and EPHX1 rs3738047 were not significant (P > 0.05). The other SNPs did not show any significant associations with CBP. According to MDR, a 3-order interaction with the strongest combined effect was found, i.e. the 3-factor combination of CYP1A1 rs4646903, CYP2D6 rs1065852 and CYP2D6 rs1135840. CONCLUSION: Gene-gene, gene-environment interactions are important mechanism to genetic susceptibility of CBP.

Polymorphisms in phase I and phase II metabolism genes and risk of chronic benzene poisoning in a Chinese occupational population.

It is widely accepted that the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of benzene results from the action of reactive metabolites. Therefore, genetic variation in metabolic enzyme genes may contribute to susceptibility to chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) in the exposed population. Using a case-control study that included 268 benzene-poisoned patients and 268 workers occupationally exposed to benzene in South China, we aimed to investigate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes with phase I and II of metabolism and risk of CBP. The TaqMan technique was used to detect polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, ADH1B, EPHX1, EPHX2, NQO1, MPO, GSTP1 and UGT1A6 genes. We also explored potential interactions of these polymorphisms with lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. A weak positive association was found between glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP1) rs1695 polymorphism and the risk of CBP (P = 0.046), but this association was not statistically significant (P = 0.117) after adjustment for potential confounders. Further analysis showed that the risk of CBP increased in the subjects with EPHX1 GGAC/GAGT diplotype (P = 0.00057) or AGAC/GAGT diplotype (P = 0.00086). In addition, we found that alcohol drinkers with the EPHX1 rs3738047 GA + AA genotypes and non-alcohol drinkers with the GSTP1 rs1695 AA genotype tended to be more susceptible to benzene toxicity. Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in EPHX1 may contribute to risk of CBP in a Chinese occupational population.

[In vitro evaluation of cutaneous allergic reaction induced by chemicals using dendritic cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of dendritic cells derived from mice bone marrow to evaluate the cutaneous allergic reaction induced by chemical sensitizers. METHODS: Dendritic cells derived from mice bone marrow were cultured and administrated with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), nickel sulfate (NiSO4), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (HCA), respectively. Cell membrane molecule CD86 and extracellular IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-12 were detected after 0, 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 hour's administration, respectively. RESULTS: CD86 expression reached the highest level after exposure to DNCB for 48 h, and increased by about 279% compared with the control (P < 0.05), while it was lower than that of control after administrated with NiSO4 and HCA for 1 h and 6 h, and SDS for 36 h, respectively (P < 0.05). Extracellular IL-1 beta increased greatly after exposure to NiSO4 just for 1 h, with the maximum at 48 h (298 pg/ml, P < 0.05), and after exposure to HCA for 6 h, with maximum at 48 h (84 pg/ml, P < 0.05). However, it didn't fluctuate significantly after administrated with DNCB and SDS respectively, compared with the control. Extracellular IL-6 increased significantly after exposure to NiSO4 for 1 h, with the maximum at 24 h (2152 pg/ml, P < 0.05). After exposure to HCA, extracellular IL-6 reached the maximum at 1 h (1403 pg/ml), and then it was decreased quickly, but still higher than the control (P < 0.05), while it didn't change significantly after treatment with DNCB and SDS, compared with the control (P > 0.05). Extracellular IL-12 was not detected out among all the groups. CONCLUSION: Chemical sensitizer DNCB could induce the high expression of CD86 on DC membrane, and NiSO4 and HCA could induce DC to release IL-1 beta and IL-6. However, the irritant SDS had no such effect.

[Intervention of nicotinamide on skin melanin genesis after UVA exposed].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interference effect of nicotinamide on UVA-induced melanin genesis and melanin transport in human skin melanocyte. METHODS: The optimum UVA dose expected to cause cell proliferation: 0.2 J/cm(2), nicotinamide was added immediately after the 0.2 J/cm(2) UVA exposure and the melanin content, cell cycles, cell apoptosis and mRNA express level were measured respectively. RESULTS: Melanin content in melanocytes was increased significantly after exposed to 0.2 J/cm(2) UVA. Melanin content in melanocytes was decreased after treatment with 10.0 mmol/ml nicotinamide following UVA exposure, but the cell cycles and the cell apoptosis rate were not significantly altered. mRNA express levels of TYR, TRP-1 were modulated by nicotinamide. CONCLUSION: Nicotinamide has more effect on decreasing melanin genesis after UVA exposure, nicotinamide also plays a role in modulating the mRNA express of TYR, TRP-1 gene. It is possible to consider nicotinamide as an efficient and safe sun screen to provide a certain level of protection for UVA exposed skin.

Genetic polymorphisms in CYP1A1, CYP2D6, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, and SULT1A1 genes and correlation with benzene exposure in a Chinese occupational population.

Metabolic enzymes involved in benzene activation or detoxification, including cytochrome P-450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P-450 2D6 (CYP2D6), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A6 (UGT1A6), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase1A7 (UGT1A7), and sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1), were studied for their roles in human susceptibility to benzene poisoning. All 304 subjects were investigated with a unitary questionnaire and their DNA was isolated from blood samples by a routine phenol-chloroform extraction. The study included 152 benzene poisoning patients, and 152 control workers occupationally exposed to benzene in South China. The genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique with genomic DNA. No individuals had the CYP 2D6 c.212 G>A variant alleles in this study. There is no association between the UGT1A6 c.181 T>A, UGT1A7 c.208 Trp>Arg, and SULT1A1 c.638 G>A genotypes and increased risk of benzene-induced carcinogenesis. Although most of the CYP2D6 haplotypes did not show any significant difference, the CYP2D6 haplotype CYP2D6 c.188 C/C, C/T, and c.4268 C/C was significantly overrepresented in the case group (OR 4.02, 95% CI: 2.53-6.39) compared with in controls. Overall, our data suggested that individuals with CYP1A1 c.5639 T/T, CYP2D6 c.188 C/C, C/T, and CYP2D6 c.4268 C/C genotypes tend to be more susceptible to benzene toxicity.

[Relationship of genetic polymorphism in APE1 and ADPRT to risks of chronic benzene poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) and ADP ribosyltransferase (ADPRT) and individuals' susceptibility to chronic benzene poison ing (BP). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted. One hundred and fifty-two B P patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. The mismatched bases combined to create restriction site with restrained fragment length polymorphism technique (CRS-RFLP) was used for detecting the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at Asp148Glu of APE1 gene and Val762Ala of ADPRT gene. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes of APE1Asp148Glu and ADPRTVal762Ala between the patients and the control groups. Compared with individuals having genotype of APE1Asp148Glu T/T without habit of alcohol consumption, there was a 4.13 times increased risk of BP for the alcohol user with genotype of APE1Asp148Glu T/T (OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.07 - 15.85, P = 0.03). The analysis of Logistic regression showed that smoking may play some role in modifying the risk of cironic benzene poisoning (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14 - 0.75, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The genetic polymorphisms in APE1Asp148Glu, ADPRTVal762Ala are not related to the risk of BP. Potential interaction is found between alcohol consumption and polymorphism of APE1Asp148Glu. Further study is needed to elucidate this interaction.

[Genetic polymorphism of CYP-1A1, CYP2D6 and risks of chronic benzene poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of CYP-1A1 and CYP2D6 and risks of chronic benzene poisoning (BP). METHODS: A case control study was conducted. 152 BP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were involved. Polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology was used for detecting the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MspI in the non-coding region of CYP-1A1 gene and c.188, g.212 position in the first extron of CYP2D6 gene. RESULTS: The individuals with CYP1A1 MspI T/T genotype had a 1.32 times (95% CI: 1.05 approximately 1.65, P = 0.02) increased risk of BP compared with those carrying T/C and C/C genotypes. In no-smoking population, there was a 1.56 times (95% CI: 1.15 approximately 2.12, P = 0.003) increased risk of BP for subjects carrying CYP1A1 MspIT/T genotype compared with those carrying T/C and C/C genotypes. The individuals carrying CYP2D6 c.188 C/C or C/T genotype had a 1.23 times (95% CI: 1.05 approximately 1.42, P = 0.01) increased risk compared with those carrying T/T genotypes. In no-smoking population, there was a 1.23 times (95% CI: 1.04 approximately 1.47, P = 0.01) increased risk of BP for subjects carrying CYP2D6 c.188 C/C or C/T genotypes compared with those carrying T/T genotype. The single nucleotide polymorphism of g.212 position in the first extron of CYP2D6 gene had not been validated. CONCLUSION: The individuals with CYP2D6 c.188 C/C, CYP2D6 c.188 C/T and CYP1A1 MspIT/T genotypes tend to be more susceptible to benzene toxicity.

[Relationship between genetic polymorphism in hMTH1c.83, hOGG1c.326 and hMYHc.335 and risks of chronic benzene poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in hMTH1, hOGG1 and hMYH and risks of chronic benzene poisoning (CBP). METHODS: A case control study was conducted. One hundred and fifty-two BP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction restrained fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on c.83 of hMTH1 gene, c.326 of hOGG1 gene and c.335 of hMYH gene. RESULTS: There were 2.51 times (OR(adj) = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.14-5.49, P = 0.02) and 2.49 times (OR(adj) = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.52-4.07, P < 0.01) risks of BP for individuals carrying genotypes of hMTH1c.83Val/Met + Met/Met or hOGG1c.326Cys/Cys compared with individuals carrying genotypes of hMTH1c.83Val/Val or hOGG1c.326Ser/Cys + Ser/Ser, respectively. Compared with individuals carrying genotypes of hOGG1c.326Cys/Cy and hMYHc.335 is/His at the same time, there was 0.33 times (OR(adj) = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15-0.72, P = 0.01) risks of BP for these with genotypes of hOGG1c.326Ser/Cys + Ser/Ser and hMYHc.335His/Gln + Gln/Gln simultaneously. In the smoking group, there was 0.15 times (OR(adj) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.68, P = 0.01) risks of BP for subjects carrying genotypes of hMYHc.335His/Gln + Gln/Gln compared with these carrying genotypes of hMYHc.335His/His. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of hMTH1 Val83 Met and hOGG1 Ser326Cys may contribute to altered risks of CBP, and potential interaction may exist among polymorphisms of hOGG1 Ser326Cys and hMYH His335Gln.

[The intervention of nicotinamide on skin melanocyte's cell proliferation after UVA (365 nm) exposed.].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interference effect of nicotinamide on UVA-induced cell proliferation in human skin melanocyte. METHODS: To apply the optimum UVA dose expected to cause cell proliferation: 0.2 cm2, nicotinamide was added after the 0.2 cm2 UVA exposure immediately or 48 h later, then the rate of cell proliferation, calcium concentration and the activities of Na+-K+, Ca2+-ATP enzymes of melanocytes were measured respectively. RESULTS: After treatment with 1.000 mg/ml nicotinamide following UVA exposure, the rate of cell proliferation was decreased significantly 24 hours later. Treatment with 0.125 mg/ml nicotinamide 48 hours after UVA exposure also significantly inhibited the cell proliferation; 1.25 mg/ml nicotinamide increased calcium concentration in cells; 0.250 mg/ml nicotinamide increased the activities of Na+-K+, Ca2+-ATP enzymes in melanocytes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nicotinamide has more obvious effect on inhibiting melanocyte's proliferation if added immediately following UVA exposure. Our discovery indicated that nicotinamide may affect the melanocyte through modulating the calcium concentration. It is possible to consider nicotinamide as an efficient and safe sun screen to provide a certain level of protection for UVA exposed skin.

[Relationship of genetic polymorphism of microsomal epoxide hydrolase with susceptibility of chronic benzene poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and susceptibility of chronic benzene poisoning (BP). METHOD: A case-control study was conducted. 152 BP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction-restrained fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on c.113 and c.139 of mEH gene. RESULTS: The risk of BP for individuals carrying mEHc.113 C/C genotype was 0.60 (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 - 0.97, P = 0.04) of those carrying T/T and T/C genotypes. In non-smoking population, the risk of BP for subjects carrying mEHc.113 C/C genotype was 0.56 (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33 - 0.96, P = 0.03) of those carrying T/T and T/C genotypes, and in non-drinking population, the individuals carrying mEHc.113 C/C genotype was 0.51 (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30 - 0.86, P = 0.01) of those carrying T/T and T/C genotypes. CONCLUSION: The subjects carrying mEHc.113 C/C genotype and together with non-smoking or non-drinking habit may have lower risk of chronic benaene poisoning.

[Assessment of exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field emitted from monitors].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate intensity of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) emitted from cathode-ray tubes (CRT) of monitors in various directions and to find ways to avoid its influence. METHODS: Two hundred CRT monitors and 10 monitors with liquid-crystal display (LCD) were selected. Their ELFMF was detected for three times in front of the monitor at an interval of every 5 cm from 0 cm to 50 cm, as well as at various directions from the monitor. RESULTS: Intensity of ELFMF significantly attenuated at regular operating position (30 - 40 cm) from 0 cm to 50 cm in front of both 38 cm and 43 cm CRT monitors (P < 0.05). Intensity exceeded 0.4 microT both within 15 cm and 10 cm in front of 38 cm and 43 cm monitors. The highest intensity was found at the upright top position of both kinds of monitors, 9.54 microT for 38 cm monitor and 6.38 microT for 43 cm one, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested to keep away from monitor screen as possible when operating a computer, to reduce unnecessary operation in front of a monitor screen, and to shorten operating time. To avoid more hazards from interactive interference between computers, it is necessary to increase distance between monitors.

Restorative effects of zinc and selenium on cadmium-induced kidney oxidative damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the kidney is influenced by zinc and selenium. METHODS: Five groups of rats were maintained: (A) Cd (CdCl2, 400 micrograms.kg-1.day-1 intraperitoneal injection); (B) Cd + Zn (ZnCl2, 20 mg.kg-1.day-1 hypodermic injection); (C) Cd + Se (Na2SeO3, 350 micrograms.kg-1.day-1 via a stomach tube); (D) Cd + Zn + Se; (E) treated with physiological saline as a sham-handled control. The rats were given treatment for a period of 4 weeks. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GH-Px), catalase (CAT), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney tissue were measured to assess the oxidative stress. Urinary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was used as an indicator of tubular cell damage caused by lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: In group C and D, activities of SOD (110.5 +/- 5.2, 126.8 +/- 7.0; P < 0.05) and GSH-Px (85.7 +/- 4.9, 94.6 +/- 7.3; P < 0.05) were higher than those in group A (84.7 +/- 3.3; 56.9 +/- 3.8); and in group B, only the activity of GSH-Px (80.0 +/- 4.3, P < 0.01) increased in comparison with that in group A (56.9 +/- 3.8). Significant increase of MDA (P < 0.05) was seen in group B (31.1 +/- 4.7) and C (35.0 +/- 4.1) when compared with control values (17.2 +/- 1.8). No difference was found in the level of MDA between group D (18.9 +/- 2.6) and control. The activity of LDH in urine of control group (0.06 +/- 0.02) was lower than that of group A (0.46 +/- 0.19, P < 0.05), B (0.10 +/- 0.05, P < 0.05) and C (0.14 +/- 0.07, P < 0.05), and there was no significant change between control (0.06 +/- 0.02) and group D (0.08 +/- 0.02). CONCLUSION: Zinc or selenium could partially alleviate the oxidative stress induced by cadmium in kidney, but administration cadmium in combination with zinc and selenium efficiently protects kidney from cadmium-induced oxidative damage.