Polymorphism of Metallothionein 2A Modifies Lead Body Burden in Workers Chronically Exposed to the Metal

Author(s)

Marques Fernandes, Kelly Christine ^[1] ; Martins, Jr., Airton Cunha ^[1] ; Soares de Oliveira, Andreia Avila ^[1] ; Greggi Antunes, Lusania Maria ^[1] ; de Syllos Colus, Ilce Mara ^[2] ; Barbosa, Jr., Fernando ^[1] ; Mazzaron Barcelos, Gustavo Rafael ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Clin Anal Toxicol & Food Sci, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Londrina, Dept Gen Biol, Ctr Biol Sci, Londrina - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PUBLIC HEALTH GENOMICS; v. 19, n. 1, p. 47-52, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a metal that accumulates in the human body, inducing several adverse health effects. One of the proteins responsible for the distribution of metal in the body is metallothionein (MT), which is expressed by different genes, and it is supposed that genetic variation in the genes that encode MTs may affect the Pb body burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic effects of the polymorphism of MT2A (single nucleotide polymorphism rs10636; C -> G) on blood Pb levels (BLL) of workers from car battery factories who are chronically exposed to the metal. In total, 221 men participated in the study; genomic DNA from whole blood was extracted, and genotyping of MT2A was performed by TaqMan assays; BLL were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). BLL were 25 +/- 14 mu g/dI (range 1.9-68); BLL were positively correlated with duration of work and smoking status. Individuals who carried at least one C allele had higher BLL than those with the GG genotype (beta = 0.45; p = 0.025, multivariable linear regression analyses). Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that polynnorphisms in genes related to the transport of Pb, such as MTs, may modulate the concentrations of the metal in the body and, consequently, adverse health effects induced by Pb exposure. (C) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/06033-8 - Combining omics tools for predicting multivariate models in populations exposed to toxic metals
• Grantee: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/17288-7 - Evaluation of genetic effect related to polymorphisms of metallothioneins MT1a and MT2a on lead concentrations in workers exposed to the metal
• Grantee: Kelly Christine Marques Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation