ASSOCIATION OF HEAVY METALS, GSTM1 & GSTT1 GENE MUTATION WITH MALE SEX HORMONES LEVEL IN SNUFF FACTORY WORKERS IN BANNU, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA
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Date
2016
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Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar
Abstract
Snuff is a smokeless tobacco product. Workers of snuff factories are occupationally exposed to genotoxic chemicals present in tobacco. Of the harmful substances present in tobacco, it also contains toxic heavy metals that tend to bioaccumulate, resulting in mutations in GSTT1 and GSTM1 leading to oxidative stress condition and interfere with endocrine hormones.The aim of this study was to determine the effects of heavy metals concentrations on GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes polymorphisms and male sex hormones level in snuff factory workers. 62 individuals were selected as exposed subjects that were divided into four categories i.e. 24 individuals with grinding job, 21 packing job, 11 market supply job and 6 clerks in snuff factories with mean age of 43.3±9.0 years. Toxic heavy metals were detected through procedure of atomic absorption spectrometer. The distribution of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes among exposed and control groups were determined through polymerase chain reaction and male sex hormones (Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone) were determined with the help of EIAs kits. None of the snuff factory workers used any personal protective equipment (PPE) during snuff preparation. Significantly high levels (P<0.05) of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Ni) were detected in the whole blood of snuff factory workers. Blood sugar level and blood pressure were also found significantly high (P<0.05) in the exposed individuals as compared to control group. There was a significant low level of testosterone (P˂ 0.001) and high level of LH (P<0.01) were detected in the blood of workers compared to control. The frequency of null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 were found significantly high (P<0.05) in the exposed group as compared to control group. The level of sex hormones were affected by the metals and frequency of null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 in the subjects.