Decreased lung function associated with occupational exposure to epichlorohydrin and the modification effects of glutathione s-transferase polymorphisms.
Epichlorohydrin (1-chloro-2,3,-epoxypropane; ECH) is a strong irritant of the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Because the toxic effect of various chemicals can be modified by metabolic traits, in this study, we also investigated the influence of the glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1) and (GSTT1) genes on the toxic effect of ECH. In the GSTM1 null genotype workers, there is a dose-response of lung function tests (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MMEF) for ECH exposure, but not in the GSTM1 non-null genotype workers. The ECH exposure was found to be significantly associated with a decreased FEV1 value (P = 0.09) and a decreased MMEF value (P = 0.053) after adjusting for other factors. The GSTM1 null genotype was found to be significantly associated with a decreased FEV1 value (P = 0.038), decreased FEV1/FVC value (P = 0.056), and decreased MMEF value (P = 0.012) after adjusting for other factors. This study indicates that obstructive lung abnormalities and small airway lung damage are associated with ECH exposure, and ECH workers with GSTM1 null-type are also associated with increased respiratory damage.
Luo
Jiin-Chyuan
JC
Department of Public Health, Chang Gung Medical College, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC. luo5485@ms29.hinet.net
Cheng
Tsun-Jen
TJ
Kuo
Hsen-Wen
HW
Chang
Ming J W
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004811:Epichlorohydrin / Q000633:toxicity*; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology
D007509:Irritants; D004811:Epichlorohydrin; D005982:Glutathione Transferase