Analysis of apoptosis related genes in nurses exposed to anti-neoplastic drugs

Abstract

BackgroundAnti-neoplastic agents are widely used in the treatment of cancer and some non-neoplastic diseases. These drugs have been proved to be carcinogens, teratogens, and mutagens. Concern exists regarding the possible dangers of the staff handling anti-cancer drugs. The long-term exposure of nurses to anti-neoplastic drugs is still a controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to monitor cellular toxicity parameters and gene expression in nurses who work in chemotherapy wards and compare them to nurses who work in other wards.MethodsTo analyze the apoptosis-related genes overexpression and cytotoxicity effects, peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from oncology nurses and the control group.The resultsSignificant alterations in four analyzed apoptosis-related genes were observed in oncology nurses. In most individual samples being excavated, Bcl-2 overexpression is superior to that of Bax. Prominent P53 and Hif-1α up-regulation were observed in oncology nurses. Moreover, all cytotoxicity parameters (cell viability, ROS formation, MMP collapse, Lysosomal membrane damage, Lipid peroxidation, Caspase 3 activity and Apoptosis phenotype) in exposed oncology nurses were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those of unexposed control nurses. Up-regulation of three analyzed apoptosis-related genes were observed in nurses occupationally exposed to anti-cancer drugs.ConclusionOur data show that oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxicity induced by anti-neoplastic drugs lead to overexpression of apoptosis-related genes in oncology nurses.

The crosstalk between HIFs and mitochondrial dysfunctions in cancer development

“…If the inhibition of pyruvate flow is complete, the TCA cycle and OXPHOS would have to stop 108 . It has also been suggested that overexpression of HIF-1α contributes to inhibition of mitochondrial and oxidative damage induced by exposing antitumor drugs 109 . HIF-1α also stimulates catabolism of mitochondrial serine and NADPH production, which regulates mitochondrial redox by transactivation of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), respectively.…”

Research progress on influencing factors of clinical nurses' sense of job security

“…For example, when the nurse came into contact with the patient examined by ECT, the physical examination found different degrees of leukopenia, irregular ecchymosis in the limbs, bleeding gums, and weakness of both lower limbs [24] ; contact patients after 121 I seed implantation will have neurasthenia, blood cell reduction, germ cell apoptosis, and fetal development [25] . In addition to radiation, nurses are also exposed to a large number of anti-tumor drugs, which are clinically used for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, teratogenicity, reproductive toxicity and organ toxicity [26,27] ,Xiao Hong [28] and Lawson [29] are looked at the same problem and did research and found the exposure of chemotherapy drugs can cause lymphocyte chromosome changes, DNA breakage, increase the risk of cancer in the contact, and may cause primary ovarian dysfunction or failure and amenorrhea. The possibility of abortion after exposure to antineoplastic drugs is twice as high as before.…”

Influence of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents on adverse pregnancy outcomes among nurses: A meta‐analysis

“…Regarding the safety of occupational contact with antineoplastic agents, many studies have been conducted (Ramazani et al, 2019; Santos et al, 2020). However, there are a few systematic reviews about the relationship between occupational contact with antineoplastic agents and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Connor et al, 2014; Dranitsaris et al, 2005; Quansah & Jaakkola, 2010).…”