Determination of DNA Damage in Floriculturists Exposed to Mixtures of Pesticides
The aim of the study was to determine possible DNA damage in floriculturists chronically exposed to pesticides. Leukocytes from 52 workers, 46 environmentally exposed, and 38 control individuals were evaluated with the comet assay. Serum from all individuals was also analyzed for pesticides using ga...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2006-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/JBB/2006/97896 |
| Summary: | The aim of the study was to determine possible DNA damage in
floriculturists chronically exposed to pesticides. Leukocytes from
52 workers, 46 environmentally exposed, and 38 control individuals
were evaluated with the comet assay. Serum from all individuals
was also analyzed for pesticides using gas chromatography coupled
to mass spectrometry. A statistically significant difference in
DNA fragmentation in the pesticide exposed group compared to the
other two groups (P <.001) was found. No differences between
environmentally exposed and control individuals were detected. The
statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between DNA
damage and sex, age, drinking or smoking habits, as well as years
of exposure. One or more pesticides were detected in 50%
of the
floriculturists, while in the rest of the individuals, a chemical
related with the preparation of pesticides, such as additives,
plasticizers, or solvents, was found. Our study shows that chronic
exposure to pesticides produces DNA damage in floriculturists. It
also suggests that this type of monitoring could be valuable in
recommending preventive measures. |
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| ISSN: | 1110-7243 1110-7251 |