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Messenger RNA expression and genetic polymorphisms of cell cycle control genes and chromosomal aberrations in Chinese

Yu-lan Qiu1, Yu-Lan Qiu, Pin Sun

  • 1Department of Health Toxicology, Box 80, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China. ylqiu@sina.com

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|November 15, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure alters p53 and p21 gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes. While p53 mRNA levels decreased, p21 mRNA levels increased in exposed workers, indicating a potential biomarker for VCM exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Molecular Biology
  • Occupational Medicine

Background:

  • Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is a known human carcinogen.
  • Occupational exposure to VCM can lead to various health issues.
  • Understanding molecular responses to VCM exposure is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of p53, p21, and CCND1 in lymphocytes of VCM-exposed workers.
  • To explore potential correlations between VCM exposure levels, genetic polymorphisms, chromosomal aberrations, and the expression of these genes.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure mRNA expression.
  • The study included 77 occupationally VCM-exposed workers and 43 unexposed controls.
  • Analysis of gene expression in relation to VCM exposure levels was performed.

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower p53 mRNA expression was observed in both low- and high-VCM exposure groups compared to controls (P < 0.001).
  • Significantly higher p21 mRNA expression was found in VCM-exposed groups compared to the nonexposed group (P < 0.001).
  • No significant relationship was found between chromosomal aberrations, genotypes, and the expression of p53, p21, or CCND1.

Conclusions:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of p53 and p21 genes are demonstrably altered by occupational VCM exposure.
  • These gene expression changes suggest potential utility as biomarkers for VCM exposure status.

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