Mutagenesis, Vol. 18, No. 1, 19-24,
January 2003
© 2003 UK Environmental Mutagen Society/Oxford University Press
Elevated levels of DNA–protein crosslinks and micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes of tannery workers exposed to trivalent chromium
1 Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, R. da Junqueira 96,P 1349-008 Lisbon, 2 Toxicology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 3 University Lusófona, Lisbon, 4 Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Monte da Caparica, Portugal and 5 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Box G-B511, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
DNA–protein crosslinks (DPC) are a promising biomarker of exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known human carcinogen. Although trivalent chromium is considered to have much lower toxicity, the risk involved in chronic exposure is uncertain. DPC may be a useful tool in clarifying this risk, by signaling an exposure of body tissues to biologically active forms of chromium. DPC quantification was carried out in lymphocytes of a group of tannery workers exposed to trivalent chromium, a small group of manual metal arc stainless steel welders exposed to hexavalent chromium and a control group. This biomarker was compared with the frequency of micronuclei in cytokinesis blocked peripheral lymphocytes as a biomarker of cytogenetic lesions and total plasma and urine chromium levels as an index of exposure. The results indicate a significant increase in the formation of DPC in tannery workers compared with controls (0.88 ± 0.19 versus 0.57 ± 0.21%, P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney test) and an even higher level of DPC in welders (2.22 ± 1.12%, P = 0.03). Tanners showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells compared with controls (6.35 ± 2.94 versus 3.58 ± 1.69
, P < 0.01), whereas in welders this increase was not significant (5.40 ± 1.67). Urinary chromium was increased in both groups, with a greater increase observed in tanners compared with controls (2.63 ± 1.62 versus 0.70 ± 0.38 µg/g creatinine, P < 0.001) than in welders (1.90 ± 0.37 µg/g creatinine, P < 0.005). Plasma chromium was also increased in both groups (tanners 2.43 ± 2.11 µg/l, P < 0.001, welders 1.55 ± 0.67 µg/l, P < 0.005 versus controls 0.41 ± 0.11 µg/l). In summary, chronic occupational exposure to trivalent chromium can lead to a detectable increase in lymphocye DNA damage which correlates with a significant exposure of the cells to the metal.
6 To whom correspondence should be addressed. Fax: +351 21 3622018; Email: rueff.gene{at}fcm.unl.pt
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