DNA damage in viscose factory workers occupationally exposed to carbon di-sulfide using buccal cell comet assay

Aim: The most important industrial use of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the fabrication of regeneratedcellulose rayon by the viscose process and cellophane. CS2 leads to increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in workers with occupational exposure to CS2. Methods: In the present study, the DNA damage was analyzed by using buccal cell comet assay for 30 viscose plant workers who are occupationally exposed to CS2 and 30 healthy individuals. Both groups were classified as smokers and non-smokers and only the experimental subjects were classified based on the exposure period. The data were analyzed statistically bythe Student’s t-test. Results: The results of this study showed increased levels of DNA damage among viscose plant workers. Conclusion: The habit of cigarette smoking among the viscose workers had a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage.

Cytogenetic damage in khaini users of Tamilnadu, Southern India

Aim: The smokeless tobacco (ST) has a strong association with the risk of oral leukoplakia (OL), oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral cancer (OC). ST components exhibit genotoxicity and may alter the structure of DNA, proteins and lipids, resulting in the production of antigenicity. In this study, an attempt was made to estimate the cytogenetic damage [chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN)] in people habituated to consume khaini (ST), which is one of the major forms of tobacco consumption in Tamilnadu, India, and believed to be a major risk factor for OC. Methods: After signing a consent form, volunteers provided blood samples (108 samples from including experimental and control subjects) to establish cell cultures at 52 h. For CA analysis, 100 complete metaphase cells per subject were evaluated. Chromatid- and chromosomal- type aberrations were identified in experimental and control subjects, where the latter showed a very minimal number of CA in age wise manner. Results: Statistically significant results were obtained in experimental subjects when compared to controls as confirmed by chi-square test. Exfoliated cells from the buccal mucosaof Khaini users were examined by using the micronucleus assay. The difference in mean micronucleated cell count for buccal mucosa between cases and controls were significant (p<0.01). Hence, specific biomarkers on cytogenetic endpoints might help in establishing preventive measures to reduce cancer risks. Conclusion: the genotoxic effect of smokeless tobacco should be considered in addition to other known hazards for assessing health risks.