Evaluation of Relationship Between Lymphocyte DNA Damages and Blood Arsenic Levels in Silver Mining Workers using Alkaline Comet Assay

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between DNA damage and blood arsenic levels in individuals occupationally exposed to arsenic (As). A hundred-twenty exposed individuals from silver mining plate workers were monitored in the way of DNA damage in blood lymphocytes using comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis, SSGE). The DNA damage levels were measured by BAB Bs Comet Assay system and As levels were analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) system. The mean blood arsenic level was 17.03±10.85 µg/L. A statistically significant positive correlations were found between the arsenic levels and comet parameters (tail intensity, comet length and tail length) (r=0.360, r=0.334, r=0.259, respectively, p<0.01). Our results showed that exposure to arsenic may cause DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of Turkish silver mining plate workers.

Human Biomonitoring of Trace Elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd and As) Level in a Healthy Urban Population in Türkiye

“…[14,26]. Studies involving occupational exposure to heavy metals have been reported previously in the Turkish population [6,7]. Data on healthy individuals are very limited in these studies.…”

“…Trace elements, systemic toxicants that initiate cascades of organ dysfunction in humans, even at low levels in the body are one of the common problems requiring worldwide attention. Researchers have shown that heavy metal exposure causes DNA damage and various carcinogens [4][5][6][7]. Each heavy metal has its own unique mechanical process where it exhibits toxicity.…”

The association of oxidative stress and DNA damage with XRCC1 and XRCC3 polymorphisms in radiology technicians

“…Among these, the comet assay (also known as the single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) technique) is one of the most frequently used methods in genotoxicity-cancer research and for monitoring human exposures over time. [6,10] Today, using the comet assay for the detection of DNA damage is considered to be a promising biomarker for the early prediction of cancer risk, and has great potential for clinical and occupational applications (Bacaksiz, et al, 2014; Karakaya et al, 2005; Kayaalti, et al, 2014, 2015; Sardas, et al, 2006; Soylemez et al, 2017; Vodicka et al, 2019; Xu, et al, 2020).…”