Genomic Instability in Exfoliated Buccal Cells among Cement Warehouse Workers

Abstract

Background: Workers in cement warehouses of Kerala are enduring long-standing exposure to cement dust, which is considered genotoxic. Objective: To evaluate the extent of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity caused due to exposure of cement dust among those working in cement warehouses. Methods: The study included 82 cement warehouse workers and 82 age-matched individuals with no exposure to cement dust. Exfoliated buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was performed to analyze the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects caused by inhalation of cement dust. Results: The frequency of various genotoxic and cytotoxic end markers (micronucleated cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001], nuclear buds [4-fold increase, p<0.001], binucleated cells [4-fold increase, p<0.001], karyorrhectic cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001], pyknotic cells [3- fold increase, p<0.001], and karyolytic cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001]) were higher in the exposed workers compared with unexposed group. Increase of these parameters represented an increased level of chromosomal damage, nuclear disintegration and increased cell death among exposed group compared with unexposed group. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to cement dust results in increased frequency of nuclear aberrations and cellular apoptosis. This may lead to defects in genome maintenance, accelerated ageing, increased chance of oral cancer and neurodegenerative disorders in those occupationally exposed to cement dust.

Cyto-Genotoxicity of Tritiated Stainless Steel and Cement Particles in Human Lung Cell Models

“…A study including cement warehouse workers reported that continuous exposure to cement dust was associated with an increased frequency of nuclear aberrations, based on a micronucleus cytome assay performed on exfoliated buccal cells. The median exposure time to cement dust among the exposed group was 14 years [ 7 ]. An increase in micronuclei frequency was also found in lymphocytes sampled in construction workers with durations of exposure varying from 10 to 30 years [ 6 ].…”

“…Moreover, exposure to particles could itself induce injury following inhalation. Indeed, construction workers exposed to cement particles (mainly by inhalation) can carry enhanced nuclear aberrations in their lymphocytes or epithelial buccal cells [ 6 , 7 ]. In contrast, stainless steel particle exposure by inhalation was associated with very low toxicity in vitro and in vivo [ 8 ].…”

Pembentukan Mikronukleus di Mukosa Bukal akibat Paparan Senyawa Kimia pada Berbagai Macam Pekerjaan

“…Penambang batubara 11 25,83 ± 13,28 Pedagang kaki lima 14 9,40 ± 4,46 Pemanggang kacang 15 5,23 ± 1,41 Petugas SPBU 16 2,50 [1,30] Traffic controller dan supir taksi 17 2,78 ± 0,62 Pemanggang daging 18 18,97 ± 3,77 Mekanik mobil 19 16,89 ± 10,16 Tukang las 20 4,19 ± 3,57 Pendaur ulang sampah elektronik 21 2706 Pekerja konstruksi terowongan 22 2,00 [1,00] Golongan logam (aluminium, besi, kromium, nikel, merkuri, arsen, selenium, kadmium, tembaga, rubidium, bromin) Penambang batubara 11 25,83 ± 13,28 Pekerja pelapisan besi 23 45,00 [20,,00] Tukang las 20 4,19 ± 3,57 Pendaur ulang sampah elektronik 21 2706 Pekerja gudang semen 24 15,00 [13,30] Petani kedelai 25 3,30 ± 2,10 Karbamat dan organofosfat Petani padi 26 15,39 ± 3,34 Petani kedelai 25 3,30 ± 2,10 Petani rumah kaca 27 3,55 ± 2,95 Silika Pekerja marka jalan 28 1,00 [0,78-1,22] Pekerja gudang semen 24 15,00 [13,30] Pekerja konstruksi 29 19,79 ± 3,54 Kelompok BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) Petugas SPBU 16 2,50 [1,30] Petugas SPBU 30 19,25 ± 0,89 Pengecat mobil 31 12,57 ± 3,43 Petugas SPBU 32 4,65 ± 2,00 Obat-obatan -Sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, N2O…”

“…Alumunium, kromium, besi, nikel, tembaga, merkuri, arsen, dan silika merupakan beberapa senyawa logam yang dapat memicu terbentuknya mikronukleus di mukosa bukal. 11,21,23,24,28,29 Senyawa logam di dalam tubuh manusia dapat menginduksi karsinogenesis dengan cara menghasilkan radikal bebas di dalam sel tubuh serta mengganggu protein regulasi dan protein pesinyal (signalling protein) seperti tembaga yang dapat menggantikan seng di protein regulasi tertentu dan menimbulkan gangguan pada proses transkripsi. Selain menginduksi karsinogenesis, ion logam juga dapat memroduksi senyawa ROS melalui berbagai macam reaksi kimia.…”

“…Senyawa-senyawa kimia tersebut seperti kelompok PAH (benzo[α]-pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, indeno [1,2,3c,d]pyrene, dan dibenz[α,h]antrachene), golongan logam (alumunium, besi, kromium, nikel, merkuri, arsen, selenium, kadmium, tembaga, rubidium, bromin), karbamat, dan organofosfat, serta senyawa silika, BTX, sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, N2O, gemcitabin, serta 5-fluoro uracil, merupakan senyawa genotoksik dan dapat menimbulkan terjadinya mikornukleus pada mukosa bukal pekerja. 1,15,24,25,31,33,35 Jumlah mikronukleus tersebut umumnya memiliki perbedaan bermakna dengan kelompok yang tidak terpapar senyawa kimia. Walaupun demikian, masing-masing pekerjaan juga memiliki angka rerata yang berbeda satu sama lain.…”