[Detection of apoptosis genes differentially expressed in patients with different degrees of benzene poisoning by cDNA microarray].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the differential expression of apoptosis genes in patients with different degrees of benzene poisoning by cDNA microarray.


METHODS
Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated from seven patients with benzene poisoning of different degrees (suspected 1 case, moderate 2, severe 2), and seven age and sex matched normal control subjects. Total RNA was extracted and purified, followed by reverse transcription to cDNAs with concomitant incorporation of fluorescent dCTP (Cy3 or Cy5). Then 177 genes associated with cell apoptosis were hybridized against the cDNAs probes in microarray. Fluorescent signals were scanned to detect apoptosis genes differentially expressed in patients and normal subjects.


RESULTS
Forty one genes were found to be differentially expressed between benzene-poisoned patients and normal controls; among the 41 genes, three were up-regulated among patients with mild to moderate degrees of benzene poisoning and one up-regulated among all patients. The total amount of differentially expressed genes of apoptosis decreased with the aggravation of benzene poisoning.


CONCLUSIONS
Differential expression of apoptosis genes was found in patients with benzene poisoning, suggesting a role of altered apoptosis in benzene-induced hematotoxicity.
Zhao
Zhi-Wei
ZW
Department of Occupational and Environmental health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
Bi
Yong-Yi
YY
Zhang
He-Xi
HX
Mao
Zong-Fu
ZF
Chen
Xiao-Hui
XH
Ma
Qiang
Q
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D001554:Benzene / Q000506:poisoning*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis
D012313:RNA; D001554:Benzene