Exposure to heavy metals, antioxidant status, and the interaction of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes CAT rs7943316, GSTP1 rs1695, as well as GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, among workers in occupational settings.

Individuals working in diverse fields are consistently exposed to work-related pollutants that can impact their overall health. The current study investigated the presence of pollutants in seven different occupational groups and their impact on human health. Biochemical and genetic approaches were employed. Heavy metals were determined by ICP-MS technique. Oxidative stress biochemical markers and molecular analysis of the glutathione transferases gene SNPs (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1), catalase (CAT, rs7943316), and superoxide dismutase (SOD, rs17880487) was carried out. The results revealed a significantly higher quantity of Cd among five occupational groups. Catalase, malonaldehyde, and glutathione was significantly dysregulated. Molecular analysis of the gene SNPs suggests a probable relationship between the antioxidants and the phenotypic expression of the CAT, GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1 SNPs. It is concluded that chronic exposure to occupational contaminants like Cd affects human health through oxidative stress in association with some of their gene SNPs.

Chronic exposure to electronic waste poses risk to liver toxicity with molecular interaction of GSTM1, GSTT1 null variants, and GSTP1.

Chronic exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a serious concern for health among individuals exposed to it. E-waste has been reported to contain heavy metals, trace elements, and persistent organic pollutants which can trigger health issues through different biological pathways. The liver is a major metabolic and detoxifying organ in the body. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a liver enzyme for phase II detoxification that catalyzes glutathione (GSH) conjugation with environmental pollutants. This research aimed to investigate the liver toxicity caused by long-term exposure to e-wastes, exploring the potential association with null variants of GSTT1 and GSTMI, as well as GSTP1. The study was designed as a cross-sectional investigation, in which 256 adult males who were chronically exposed to e-waste and 200 non-exposed control participants, matched for age and gender, were recruited randomly. Standard colorimetric and enzymatic methods were used to analyze biochemical parameters such as serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (T. Bil), albumin, and reduced glutathione. Genotypic analysis of the null variant GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes was conducted by standard molecular methods. The study findings indicated a notable surge in ALP, ALT, and albumin levels while T. Bil and GSH levels showed a reduction, suggesting a potential risk of liver toxicity. Additionally, analysis of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes revealed a possible association with GSH levels and the hepatotoxicity risk. The study concluded that the individuals exposed to e-waste exhibited dysregulation of liver enzymes that results in liver toxicity. Moreover, analysis of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 at a molecular level revealed that these genes could potentially serve as risk factors for liver toxicity in e-waste chronic exposure.

Dysregulation of butyrylcholinesterase, BCHE gene SNP rs1803274, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in occupational workers.

BACKGROUND: People in different occupations are exposed to a variety of xenobiotics which affect the health and physiological processes of the body. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), has been reported to play neuronal and non-neuronal roles, though its exact function is yet to be established. This study aimed to find the status and role of BChE in seven different occupational groups; gasoline fillers, auto-mechanics, carpenters, textile shop workers, furniture shop workers, electricians, and office workers. METHODS: A total of 400 samples were screened. BChE activity was determined by Worek et al. method based on Ellman's principle. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA. Genotypic analysis of the K-variant of BCHE gene SNP was carried out by standard molecular methods. Among seven groups, office workers were taken as a control to compare the results with all other occupational groups. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant decrease in BChE activity in gasoline fillers (79.52%) followed by carpenters (73.49%), auto mechanics (39.76%), textile shop workers (18.07%), electricians (10.84%), and furniture shop workers (7.23%). TNF-α, IL-6, and IL1-ß were elevated in all groups. IL-6 and IL1-ß in gasoline fillers, and electricians were not statistically significantly increased. Binomial regression to determine the odd ratio was found to be significant (p < 0.05) in all groups. However, correlation (Pearson) did not reveal significance between different biochemical parameters. Genotypic analysis of the K-variant SNP of the BCHE gene showed a significant association with occupational groups when compared with control which indicates a possible association with xenobiotics exposure and the physiological role of K-variant in understudied occupational groups. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that BChE and its gene SNP rs 1803274 and proinflammatory cytokines significantly dysregulates under the exposure to cumulative multiple xenobiotics in different occupational groups which may lead to pathophysiological conditions.