Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and alterations of sex hormones in filling-station workers.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the health effects of gasoline exposure as measured by levels of sex hormones (total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH]) of male filling-station workers.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
Filling stations in Shiraz (Fars province, Iran).


METHODS
One hundred fourteen male gasoline workers and 112 age-matched (+/-5 years) and sex-matched controls with no occupational exposure to gasoline.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH, and expression of the GSTT1 genotype.


RESULTS
All hormone measurements were in the normal range although subclinical changes were detected in some indexes. Men exposed to petrochemicals had lower mean serum testosterone levels compared with unexposed men, regardless of the presence of the GSTT1 genotype. However, this decrease (expressed as mean +/- standard deviation) is most pronounced in the group possessing the GSTT1-null genotype (4.26 +/- 1.44 ng/mL vs. 5.48 +/- 0.98 ng/mL) compared with the group possessing the GSTT1 genotype (4.23 +/- 1.73 ng/mL vs. 4.67 +/- 1.21 ng/mL). The LH levels varied between the two groups; the mean serum LH was lower in the exposed versus unexposed men who possessed the GSTT1 genotype (2.82 +/- 1.32 IU/L vs. 3.20 +/- 1.17 IU/L) and higher in the exposed versus unexposed men who possessed the GSTT1-null genotype (3.52 +/- 1.37 IU/L vs. 2.76 +/- 1.07 IU/L).


CONCLUSIONS
Testosterone levels were statistically significantly decreased in male gasoline workers compared with men who had had no occupational exposure to gasoline. The relevance of the GSTT1 genotype to these differences remains to be determined.
Saadat
Mostafa
M
Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. saadat@susc.ac.ir
Monzavi
Nasrin
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005742:Gasoline / Q000633:toxicity*; D005838:Genotype; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000378:metabolism*; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012016:Reference Values; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D005742:Gasoline; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; C413545:glutathione S-transferase T1; D005982:Glutathione Transferase