Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 388-395
The Use of Micronucleus Assay as A Measure of DNA Damage in Occupationally and Non-Occupationally Chromium Exposed Population
Khushboo Ambreen, Sudhir Kumar
Molecular & Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India.
Corresponding Author: Khushboo Ambreen
ABSTRACT
Introduction and Aims: Trivalent chromium used in tanning industry has potential adverse effects in term of DNA damage on occupationally and non-occupationally exposed population. The present study aimed to emphasize the use of micronucleus assay as an ideal and rapid parameter for the estimation of DNA damage in chromium exposed population and to establish the association between micronucleus frequency and non-occupational factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption habits.
Materials and Methods: The study involved a total of 300 male subjects, including 100 male tanners (Occupationally exposed group), 100 male populations living near tanning sites (Non-occupationally exposed group) and 100 control males. Baseline characteristics were recorded for all the subjects. Blood Cr level was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. DNA damage was measured by micronucleus assay in term of micronucleus frequency. Effects of non-occupational factors on micronucleus frequency were estimated using univariate analysis.
Results: As a result, chromium level was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in both the exposed groups, than in controls. Similarly, both exposed groups revealed a significant (p<0.001) increase in micronucleus frequency, when compared with controls. Among both the exposed group, micronucleus frequency was significantly (p<0.05) higher in occupationally exposed subjects as compared to non-occupationally exposed subjects. No significant effect (p<0.05) of non-occupational factors were observed on micronucleus frequency.
Conclusion: The present study concludes the importance of micronucleus assay for the evaluation of DNA damage in occupationally and non-occupationally chromium exposed population. Further, our study also concludes that occupational exposure of chromium was associated with higher risk of DNA damage as compared to non-occupational exposure.
Key words: Chromium, Occupational exposure, Non-occupational exposure, DNA damage, Micronucleus assay.