Cytogenetic biomonitoring of Spanish greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides: micronuclei analysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells

Mutat Res. 2000 Jan 24;464(2):255-62. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5718(99)00200-4.

Abstract

In the present study, we evaluate whether or not occupational exposure to a complex mixture of pesticides results in a significant increase of micronuclei (MN) in both peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal cells. Sixty four greenhouse workers from Almería (Southeastern Spain), together with 50 men from the same area, without indication of exposure to pesticides, that served as controls were used in this investigation. The results obtained indicate that there are no statistically significant differences in the MN frequencies between the two groups. Each donor was assessed for the presence or absence of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), to look for relationships between the genotypes and the cytogenetic reponses. According to the GSTT1 genotype, there is a difference between both groups only for the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI). Neither GSTM1 nor smoking habit and age showed any effect in the overall analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agriculture*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cheek
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Mitotic Index / drug effects
  • Mouth Mucosa / cytology
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Pesticides / adverse effects*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Spain

Substances

  • Pesticides
  • glutathione S-transferase T1
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • glutathione S-transferase M1