CYP1A1 Gene Polymorphisms: Modulator of Genetic Damage in Coal-Tar Workers

Abstract

Aim: It is well known that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo (a) pyrene have carcinogenicproperties and may cause many types of cancers in human populations. Genetic susceptibility might be due tovariation in genes encoding for carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P-450 (CYP450). Our studyaimed to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 (m1 and m2) on genetic damage in 115 coaltarworkers exposed to PAHs at their work place. <br/><b>Methods</b>: Genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 were determinedby the PCR-RFLP method. Comet and buccal micronucleus assays were used to evaluate genetic damageamong 115 coal tar workers and 105 control subjects. <br/><b>Results</b>: Both CYP1A1 m1 and CYP1A1 m2 heterozygousand homozygous (wt/mt+mt/mt) variants individually as well as synergistically showed significant association(P<0.05) with genetic damage as measured by tail moment (TM) and buccal micronuclei (BMN) frequencies incontrol and exposed subjects. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: In our study we found significant association of CYP1A1 m1 and m2heterozygous (wt/mt)+homozygous (mt/mt) variants with genetic damage suggesting that these polymorphismsmay modulate the effects of PAH exposure in occupational settings.