Chromosome damage in miners with occupational lung diseases

Abstract

   Introduction. The article presents the results of a study of the level of chromosomal damage in blood lymphocytes of miners, patients with lung diseases, healthy miners and control donors.

   Aim: to analyze the structural damage of chromosomes in Kuzbass miners.

   Methods. 825 people were examined. Of these, 254 donors were included in the group of miners with lung diseases (chronic dust bronchitis, anthracosilicosis), 310 people were in the group of conditionally healthy miners and 261 people who do not work in production (control group).

   Results. The level of chromosomal damage in miners with lung diseases and in healthy miners was significantly different (4.91 ± 2.16 % and 4.08 ± 2.47 %, respectively) and was higher than in the control group – 1.80 ± 1.25 % (p < 0.00001). Age, work experience, and smoking did not significantly affect cytogenetic parameters in the studied groups.

   Conclusions. The development of occupational lung diseases in miners is accompanied by the accumulation of damage to the structure of chromosomes in blood cells.