GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes are Associated With DNA Damage of p53 Gene in Coke-oven Workers.

Abstract

This study investigated whether variations in GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene are associated with the DNA damage level of p53 gene. We quantified urinary 1-hydroxypyrene using high-performance liquid chromatography, and examined the DNA damage level of p53 gene by real-time quantitative PCR in 756 coke-oven workers. Multiplex PCR was used to detect the presence or absence of genes. DNA damage levels of p53 gene in the high exposure group and intermediate exposure group were significantly higher than that of p53 gene in the low exposure group (P < 0.01). In coke-oven workers, the DNA damage levels of subjects with non-null genotype in GSTT1 or GSTM1 gene were significantly higher than that of those with the null genotype (P < 0.01). GSTT1 and GSTM1 may modulate DNA damage levels of p53 gene when exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.