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N-Acetyltransferase 2 genotype, exfoliated urothelial cells and benzidine exposure
Qing-wen Ma1, Guo-fang Lin, Ji-gang Chen
1Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|December 29, 2011
Summary
This study investigated N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genotypes in relation to bladder cancer risk among former benzidine-exposed workers. Results showed no overall increase in slow NAT2 genotypes among bladder cancer patients, suggesting NAT2 status may not be a primary risk factor in this cohort.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Genetics
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- The N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) enzyme plays a role in metabolizing environmental carcinogens.
- Slow NAT2 genotypes are often associated with increased cancer risk, including bladder cancer.
- Benzidine exposure in the dyestuff industry is a known risk factor for bladder cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between NAT2 genotypes and bladder cancer risk in a cohort of former benzidine-exposed workers.
- To examine the relationship between NAT2 genotypes and pre-malignant cytological alterations in exfoliated urothelial cells.
- To evaluate the potential protective effect of rapid NAT2 genotypes against bladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping for NAT2 polymorphisms in 29 bladder cancer patients and 307 non-cancer cohort members.
- Analysis of decades-long Papanicolaou's grading records of exfoliated urothelial cells.
- Statistical analysis comparing NAT2 genotypes between bladder cancer patients and controls, considering cytological findings.
Main Results:
- No significant overall increase in slow NAT2 genotypes was observed in bladder cancer patients compared to non-diseased cohort members.
- A lower prevalence of the homozygous wild genotype (NAT2 4/4) was found in bladder cancer patients.
- The data did not confirm a protective influence of rapid NAT2 genotypes against bladder cancer or pre-malignant cytological changes.
Conclusions:
- NAT2 genotype status does not appear to be a significant determinant of bladder cancer risk in this cohort of benzidine-exposed workers.
- The homozygous wild NAT2 4/4 genotype may be associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer in this population.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between occupational exposures, NAT2 genetics, and bladder cancer development.
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