Kentucky State University
Detection of Urinary DNA Adducts: Identification of Farmers at Risk of Genetic Toxicity Due to Occupational Exposure to Pesticides in Kentucky
Institution
Kentucky State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Avinash Tope
Abstract
Chronic low level exposure to pesticides has been implicated in many health conditions such as induction of oxidative stress, cytogenetic damage, which potentially can lead to development of cancers in humans. Level of 8-hydroxy-deoxo-guanosine (8-OHdG) in the body fluids such as serum and urine is a highly sensitive biomarker of DNA damage occurring due to DNA-adduct formation. The objective of the study was to determine genotoxic changes in farmers from surrounding counties in Kentucky and to evaluate the effects of continuous exposure to pesticides through monitoring the urinary levels of 8- OHdG. Urine samples were collected once a month for six months, from June 2003 through November 2003 from farmers (n= 16) and controls (unexposed n=8). The collected urine samples from each individual were stored at -20 0 C and pooled after six months, and the levels of 8-OHdG were detected using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. No statistically significant difference at P≤0.05 was observed in the levels of urinary 8-OHdG between the controls and farmers exposed to pesticides.
Detection of Urinary DNA Adducts: Identification of Farmers at Risk of Genetic Toxicity Due to Occupational Exposure to Pesticides in Kentucky
Chronic low level exposure to pesticides has been implicated in many health conditions such as induction of oxidative stress, cytogenetic damage, which potentially can lead to development of cancers in humans. Level of 8-hydroxy-deoxo-guanosine (8-OHdG) in the body fluids such as serum and urine is a highly sensitive biomarker of DNA damage occurring due to DNA-adduct formation. The objective of the study was to determine genotoxic changes in farmers from surrounding counties in Kentucky and to evaluate the effects of continuous exposure to pesticides through monitoring the urinary levels of 8- OHdG. Urine samples were collected once a month for six months, from June 2003 through November 2003 from farmers (n= 16) and controls (unexposed n=8). The collected urine samples from each individual were stored at -20 0 C and pooled after six months, and the levels of 8-OHdG were detected using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. No statistically significant difference at P≤0.05 was observed in the levels of urinary 8-OHdG between the controls and farmers exposed to pesticides.