Evaluation of genetic effect related to polymorphisms of metallothioneins MT1a and MT2a on lead concentrations in workers exposed to the metal

• Grant number: 13/17288-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
• Grantee: Kelly Christine Marques Fernandes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

There is wide variation in the concentration of the biomarkers and lead toxicity (Pb), despite similar levels of exposure and this is hypothetically related genetic differences in the enzymes that metabolize metal. However, very little is known about the genetic effects on the metabolism and Pb-induced toxicity. Thus, the present project aims to assess the gene-metal interactions in workers exposed to Pb in automotive batteries plants. For such, concentrations of Pb will be determined in blood (Pb-B) by using a mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma. Evaluation of polymorphisms of metallothioneins (MTs), MT1a and MT2a will be performed to assess genetic effects on the metabolism of metal. Thus, it is expected that the results obtained will assist a better understanding of the interactions between the metal and these genetic variants, a line of incipient research in the country, but very promising called "gene-environment interactions."

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MARQUES FERNANDES, KELLY CHRISTINE; MARTINS, JR., AIRTON CUNHA; SOARES DE OLIVEIRA, ANDREIA AVILA; GREGGI ANTUNES, LUSANIA MARIA; DE SYLLOS COLUS, ILCE MARA; BARBOSA, JR., FERNANDO; MAZZARON BARCELOS, GUSTAVO RAFAEL. Polymorphism of Metallothionein 2A Modifies Lead Body Burden in Workers Chronically Exposed to the Metal. PUBLIC HEALTH GENOMICS, v. 19, n. 1, p. 47-52, 2016. (13/06033-8, 13/17288-7)