Evaluation of cytogenetic alterations of toxic gas exposed population of Bhopal having chronic kidney disease

Abstract

The industrial disaster of Bhopal in 1984 resulted into widespread morbidity and mortality in the vicinity of the industry and required long term surveillance for chronic health effects in those affected by the leakage of gas. Although few cytogenetic studies were undertaken to assess genetic damage in survivors of the disaster, no studies are available on cytogenetic damage of toxic gas exposed population having chronic kidney disease (CKD).Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate cytogenetic alterations in chronic kidney disease patients who wereexposed to leaked gas and to compare it with those who were not exposed to the leaked gas. The cytogenetic alterations were evaluated through chromosomal aberration analysis and micronuclei assay. The study included 608 study participants divided into four groups on the basis of history of exposure to the leaked gas and presence or absence of CKD. The results of the study showed no statistically significant difference in cytogenetic damagebetween gas exposed and non-exposed patients of CKD. However, significantly higher cytogenetic damage was observed among gas exposed participants having CKD as compared to gas exposed participants free from CKD.Thus, to conclude though the cytogenetic alterations were observed in exposed group it cannot be solely attributed to the gas exposure and the role of other confounders must also be studied.