Lead (Pb) exposure induces disturbances in epigenetic status in workers exposed to this metal

Author(s)

Devoz, Paula Picoli ; Gomes, Willian Robert ; De Araujo, Marilia Ladeira ; Ribeiro, Diego Luis ; Pedron, Tatiana ; Greggi Antunes, Lusania Maria ; Batista, Bruno Lemos ; Barbosa, Fernando, Jr. ; Mazzaron Barcelos, Gustavo Rafael

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A-CURRENT ISSUES; v. 80, n. 19-21, p. 8-pg., 2017-01-01.

Abstract

Previous studies showed that lead (Pb) exposure may modulate gene expression by changes in the epigenetic status. However, little is known about the impact of Pb exposure and alterations on DNA methylation patterns in humans exposed to this metal. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of exposure to Pb on DNA global methylation, in order to gain a better understanding of the interactions between Pb exposure and epigenetic effects. The study included 100 male workers employed in automotive battery factories from Parana State, Brazil. Concentrations of Pb in blood (B-Pb) and plasma (P-Pb) were determined by ICP-MS, the percentage (%) of global DNA methylation was determined by quantification of 5-methylcytosine using indirect ELISA, and sociodemographic data collected by questionnaire by trained interviewers. The mean age was 37 +/- 10 (18-67 years); 18% of participants were smokers, while 32% reported consumption of alcoholic beverages. The B-Pb and P-Pb levels were 20 +/- 11 and 0.56 +/- 0.64 mu g/ dl, respectively; % global DNA methylation was 2.8 +/- 1.1% (ranging from 1.1 to 6.5%). B-Pb and P-Pb concentrations were significantly correlated. Furthermore, a marked association was noted between Pb biomarkers and DNA global methylation. Taken together, our data demonstrated that Pb exposure induced alterations on DNA global methylation in workers who were exposed to the metal and consequently may result in disturbances in the regulation of gene expression, leading to potentially several health adverse effect outcomes. (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: 15/07277-3 - Evaluation of lead exposure on the methylation pattern of promoter regions of genes associated to the metal metabolism, in workers of automotive battery industries
• Grantee: Paula Pícoli Devóz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/04786-4 - Evaluation of lead-induced oxidative stress exposure in workers of automotive battery plants
• Grantee: Willian Robert Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 14/24981-3 - Combining omics tools for predicting multivariate models in populations exposed to toxic metals
• Grantee: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers