Evaluation of Genomic Damage in Peripheral Lymphocytes from Occupationally Exposed Anesthetists: Assessment of the Effects of Age, Sex, and GSTT1 Gene Polymorphism

Abstract

Occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases is one of the major hazards to healthcare personnel. We evaluated the cytogenetic effects of chronic exposure to low concentrations of anaesthetic gases in operating theatres. The study included 21 anesthetists and 21 control subjects who matched in age and gender. Chromosome aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) assays were performed. All subjects were also genotyped for glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphisms. Significant differences were found between exposed and controls in terms of SCEs frequency (P = 0.001) and replication index value (P = 0.005), but not in terms of CAs (P = 0.201) and aberrant cells (P = 0.227) frequencies. Regression analyses indicated that age and the years of employment did not influence the level of chromosomal damage in both groups. Finally, among anesthetists, GSTT1 null individuals showed a significant higher frequency of SCE with respect to GSTT1-positive subjects.

Association of GSTT1 null, XPD 751 CC and XPC 939 CC genotypes with increased levels of genomic damage among hospital pathologists

“…It is known that drugs, radiations, smoking and alcohol consumption could influence the levels of cytogenetic damage (Santovito et al, 2014 a,b;2015;Sierra-Torres et al, 2004). For these reasons, in our sample, we exclusively considered individuals who have not smoked nor consumed alcohol and drugs and have not been subjected to diagnostic examinations for a period of at least 2 years prior to the analysis.…”

“…In humans GSTT1 gene is polymorphic for a DNA deletion resulting in the absence of protein synthesis and consequent reduced detoxification of xenobiotics in homozygous individuals. This deletion polymorphism for the GSTT1 gene has been found to be associated with the development of some types of cancer (Huafroid et al, 2007), as well as to an increased susceptibility to DNA damage (Santovito et al, 2015).…”

Evaluation of baseline frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in an Italian population according to age, sex, smoking habits, and gene polymorphisms

“…In this context, one of the objectives of the present study was to evaluate, by means of the SCEs assay, the level of genomic damage in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of non-occupationally exposed, healthy subjects. Indeed, it is known that the level of genomic damage can be partly influenced by a variety of external factors such as chemical and physical agents, life styles (smoking and drinking habits, nutrition), or residential and/or working areas, as well as by endogenous factors, including those of biological origins such as sex and age (Santovito, Cervella, & Delpero, 2015.…”

Pro-Con Debate: Nitrous Oxide for Labor Analgesia

“…Australian veterinarians had a 2.5-fold increase risk of preterm labor for exposure to >1hr/week of unscavenged anesthetic gas [100]. Anesthetists with Glutathione S-transferase T1 genetic variants had a significantly higher rate of DNA damage (P<.05) during occupational exposure to general anesthetics including nitrous oxide [101].…”