Use of genotoxicity biomarkers and gene expression on the evaluation of gas station attendants exposed to gasoline fumes

Abstract

Introduction:

an exposure evaluation measures its intensity, frequencyand duration, detecting premature damage that, if ignored, might develop into a harmful framework. On environmental and occupational health fields, genotoxicity biomarkers have been widely used for this evaluation.

Objective:

to identify, describe and discuss main genotoxicity biomarkers and their use together with gene expression evaluation techniques in studies concerning occupational exposure to benzene in gas stations (GS).

Methods:

bibliographical review of studies published between 1995 and 2015.

Results:

the following techniques were identified: comet assay, oxidative stress, micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations, polymorphisms, DNA and protein adducts, epigenetic factors and gene expression. We observed that genetic and epigenetic damage tests are used in gas station attendants who participate in worker’s health programs or in researches, although a short number of publications on the theme have been identified. This can be explained by the small number of countries where such job still exists and by the limitations for developing research in such countries.

Conclusion:

genotoxicity biomarkers and gene expression techniques are useful for detecting the premature damage resulting from this occupational exposure and must be jointly evaluated.

Keywords:
oxidative stress; genic expression; occupational exposure; benzene