Micronucleus test parameters as biomarkers of genotoxicity in connection with individual variants of the GSTP1, GSTM1, GSTT1, NAT2, CYP1A1 genes in workers of coal-fired thermal power plants

Background. Emissions from coal-fired power plants can have a detrimental impact on both the environment and worker health. However, the role of genetic variation in individual susceptibility to environmental factors at coal-fired power plants remains understudied due to the limited number of studies.

Objective. To conduct an analysis of cytogenetic abnormalities associated with genetic polymorphism in workers of coal-fired thermal power plants.

Methods. This study assessed cytogenetic abnormalities detected using the lymphocyte micronucleus test in connection with polymorphic variants of the GSTP1 rs1138272, GSTM1 (del), GSTT1 (del), NAT2 rs1799929, and CYP1A1 rs4646903 genes in 455 workers at coal-fired thermal power plants in Kemerovo and 533 residents of the same region unrelated to the industry.

Results. An increased frequency of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, protrusions, and apoptotic cells, as well as a decreased frequency of mitotic cells, were found in coal-fired power plant workers compared to controls. A minor variant of the NAT2 gene, rs1799929, and deletions in GSTT1 and GSTM1 were found to influence the level of micronuclei and protrusions in the blood cells of coal-fired power plant workers.

Conclusions. The obtained data allow us to identify NAT2 rs1799929, GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletions as biomarkers of genotoxic risk in individuals performing key production operations in coal mining.

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