[p16 and MGMT gene methylation in sputum cells of uranium workers].
OBJECTIVE
To study the methylation of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and p16 gene in the sputum cells of radon-exposed population. To provide the experimental base for finding the molecular biomarker of the high risk population of the radon-induced lung cancer.


METHODS
91 radon-exposed workers were divided into 4 groups, high dosage group (> 120 WLM), middle dosage group (between 60 and 120 WLM), low dosage group (between 30 and 60 WLB) and lower dosage group (between 2 and 30 WLM) according to the accumulated exposure dosage of the radon daughters. The abnormal methylation of p16 and MGMT gene in the sputum cells of the population in the four groups was detected with the methylation specific PCR (MSP).


RESULTS
There was significantly upward trend for the p16 gene methylation rate (0.00%-20.00%), the MGMT gene methylation rate (0.00%-28.00%) and the total methylation rate (0.00%-40.00%) with the increase of the accumulated exposure dosage of the radon daughters (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The methylation of p16 and MGMT gene is related to the accumulate exposure dosage of the radon daughters.
Su
Shi-biao
SB
Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Suzhou University, Suzhou 215007, China.
Yang
Lu-jing
LJ
Zhang
Wei
W
Jin
Ya-li
YL
Nie
Ji-hua
JH
Tong
Jian
J
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019853:O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011886:Radon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017687:Radon Daughters / Q000009:adverse effects; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism*
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D017687:Radon Daughters; D019853:O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase; D011886:Radon