Epigenetic changes in lymphocytes of solvent-exposed individuals.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated global DNA methylation alterations in lymphocytes of solvent workers and chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) patients and explored potential gene-environment interactions for GST. POPULATION & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was set up in 41 referents, 128 solvent workers and 23 CTE patients.


RESULTS
We found a global DNA hypermethylation in the solvent-exposed population compared with the referents (p = 0.001, r = -0.544). Global DNA methylation was negatively associated with exposure. Furthermore, GSTP1 genotypic polymorphism was found to be significantly associated (p = 0.033) with global DNA hypomethylation, which indicates a potential role for gene-environment interaction in the etiology of solvent-induced neurobehavioral disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that solvent-induced DNA methylation alterations have an impact on neurotoxicity and development of CTE.
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Occupational, Environmental & Insurance Medicine, Kapucijnenvoer 35/5, Leuven, Belgium. lode.godderis@med.kuleuven.be
Lode
L
Godderis
Karel
K
De Raedt
Ali M
AM
Tabish
Katrien
K
Poels
Nathalie
N
Maertens
Kim
K
De Ruyck
Simon
S
Bulterys
Hubert
H
Thierens
Maria K
MK
Viaene
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000235:genetics*; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D051549:Glutathione S-Transferase pi / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D012997:Solvents; C496556:GSTP1 protein, human; D051549:Glutathione S-Transferase pi