Cytogenetic status in newborns and their parents in Madrid: The BioMadrid study

Abstract

Monitoring cytogenetic damage is frequently used to assess population exposure to environmental mutagens. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is one of the most widely used methods employed in these studies. In the present study we used this assay to assess the baseline frequency of micronuclei in a healthy population of father-pregnant woman-newborn trios drawn from two Madrid areas. We also investigated the association between micronucleus frequency and specific socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors collected by questionnaire. Mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium blood levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The association between micronucleated cell frequency and the variables collected by questionnaire, as well as, the risk associated with the presence of elevated levels of metals in blood, was estimated using Poisson models, taking the number of micronucleated cells in 1,000 binucleated cells (MNBCs) as the dependent variable. Separate analyses were conducted for the 110 newborns, 136 pregnant women, and 134 fathers in whom micronuclei could be assessed. The mean number of micronucleated cells per 1,000 binucleated cells was 3.9, 6.5, and 6.1 respectively. Our results show a statistically significant correlation in MNBC frequency between fathers and mothers, and between parents and newborns. Elevated blood mercury levels in fathers were associated with significantly higher MNBC frequency, compared with fathers who had normal mercury levels (RR:1.21; 95%CI:1.02-1.43). This last result suggests the need to implement greater control over populations which, by reason of their occupation or life style, are among those most exposed to this metal.

Maternal and Gestational Factors and Micronucleus Frequencies in Umbilical Blood: The NewGeneris Rhea Cohort in Crete

“…We observed a median MNMONO frequency of 0.44 per 1,000 cells and a median CBPI value of 1.58. The few previously reported data on MNMONO and CBPI values in cord blood lymphocytes are consistent with our findings (Decordier et al 2007; Lope et al 2010; Pedersen et al 2009). …”

“…In literature, all studies focusing on MN levels in umbilical cord blood reported low frequencies in BN T lymphocytes from newborns, consistent with our results of 1.53 per 1,000 cells (median) in the total population (Das and Karuppasamy 2009; Decordier et al 2007; Hando et al 1994; Levario-Carrillo et al 2005; Lope et al 2010, Milošević-Djordjević et al 2005, 2007; Nath et al 1995; Neri et al 2005; Pedersen et al 2009, 2010; Stankovic et al 2004; Wyatt et al 2007; Zalacain et al 2006). We observed a median MNMONO frequency of 0.44 per 1,000 cells and a median CBPI value of 1.58.…”

“…The median MNBN level in mothers was 2.36 per 1,000 cells, which was slightly lower than previously reported levels in literature (Grujicic et al 2007; Milošević-Djordjević et al 2003), as expected from our semiautomated system because of the strict scoring criteria applied for automated image analysis (Decordier et al 2011). MN frequencies increased with age and were higher in maternal samples compared with cord blood, in agreement with the literature (Decordier et al 2007; Levario-Carrillo et al 2005; Lope et al 2010; Pedersen et al 2009, 2010; Stankovic et al 2004). Although we detected lower levels than previously reported, relative differences in frequencies between newborns and their mothers were comparable with previous reports.…”

Assessment of exposure to organochlorine pesticides and levels of DNA damage in mother–infant pairs of an agrarian community

“…We found no relationship between these biomarkers and the levels of any of the pesticides measured. Only Lope et al [2010] measured heavy metal levels and found no correlation with MN levels in newborns. First, pregnancy alters the absorption and elimination of chemicals tending to reduce plasma concentrations by increasing elimination [Dawes and Chowienczyk, 2001].…”

“…Studies relating exposure to toxic agents like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and drugs clearly indicated a genotoxic effect; however, most of these studies did not measure the levels of toxic compounds circulating in the blood of the subjects studied. Only Lope et al [2010] measured heavy metal levels and found no correlation with MN levels in newborns.…”