Tumour necrotizing factor-alpha promoter and GST-T1 genotype predict skin allergy to chromate in cement workers in Taiwan.
BACKGROUND
Construction workers exposed to cement are known to suffer from occupational contact dermatitis because of chromate sensitization. It is not clear whether certain genotypes are associated with increased susceptibility of chromate sensitization in those workers regularly exposed to cement.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the genotypes predisposing workers to cement-induced contact dermatitis.


METHODS
A total of 153 current cement workers who had regular contact with cement were telephone interviewed for skin problems in the past 12 months, work exposure, and personal protection. A dermatologist examined their skin and conducted patch test with common skin allergens. Blood samples were donated for genotypic determination by polymerase chain reaction-based assays for GST-T1, GST-M1 (null/non-null), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha promoter-308G/A, and interleukin (IL) 4-590C/T.


RESULTS
High percentage of dermatitis was noted in the 153 workers examined, which was correlated with reported skin problems. By patch testing, construction workers had a high-prevalence rate (12%) of sensitivity to chromate. Sensitivity to chromate was significantly associated with TNF alpha promoter-308 heterozygous (GA) as compared with GG genotype (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1-13.2), as well as with GST-T1 null genotype (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4-36.2), but neither the GST-M1 nor the IL-4 genotypes.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that among workers frequently exposed to cement in Southern Taiwan, those with TNF alpha promoter-308 heterozygous (GA) genotype or GST-T1 null genotype had increased risk of chromate sensitization.
Wang
Bour-J R
BJ
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, No. 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan, ROC.
Shiao
Judith-Sc
JS
Chen
Chiou-Jong
CJ
Lee
Yeu-Chin
YC
Guo
Yue-Liang
YL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D002840:Chromates / Q000009:adverse effects; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics*
D000485:Allergens; D002840:Chromates; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D004247:DNA; D005982:Glutathione Transferase