Sister-chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes from 12 chromium platers: a 5-year follow-up study.
To detect the mutagenic effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr) in humans, sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency in lymphocytes and urinary Cr was determined in 66 blood-urine paired samples from 12 male Cr-platers during 5 years (1984-1989). Multiple regression of SCE frequency on age, urinary Cr and smoking habits was analyzed in all 66 samples. Neither age (P = 0.204) nor urinary Cr (P = 0.056) was a significant predictor for SCE frequency. Although urinalysis revealed obvious exposure to Cr in the platers, exposure was unable to influence SCE frequency. Smoking habits were a highly significant (P less than 0.001) positive predictor for SCE frequency, and smoking of one cigarette per day was associated with an increase of 0.054 SCEs/cell in SCE frequency. SCE frequency significantly fluctuated from year to year in 3 subjects. The smoking habits of these 3 subjects did not change during the follow-up period. The results suggest that there are other unknown factors influencing SCE frequency in addition to smoking habits.
Nagaya
T
T
Department of Public Health, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.
Ishikawa
N
N
Hata
H
H
Otobe
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002857:Chromium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation
D002857:Chromium