title: Polymorphism of Metallothionein 2A Modifies Lead Body Burden in Workers Chronically Exposed to the Metal.
abstract: Lead (Pb) is a metal that accumulates in the human body, inducing several adverse health effects. One of the proteins responsible for the distribution of metal in the body is metallothionein (MT), which is expressed by different genes, and it is supposed that genetic variation in the genes that encode MTs may affect the Pb body burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic effects of the polymorphism of MT2A (single nucleotide polymorphism rs10636; Cx2192;G) on blood Pb levels (BLL) of workers from car battery factories who are chronically exposed to the metal. In total, 221 men participated in the study; genomic DNA from whole blood was extracted, and genotyping of MT2A was performed by TaqMan assays; BLL were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). BLL were 25 ± 14 µg/dl (range 1.9-68); BLL were positively correlated with duration of work and smoking status. Individuals who carried at least one C allele had higher BLL than those with the GG genotype (β = -0.45; p = 0.025, multivariable linear regression analyses). Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that polymorphisms in genes related to the transport of Pb, such as MTs, may modulate the concentrations of the metal in the body and, consequently, adverse health effects induced by Pb exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirx00E3;o Preto, University of Sx00E3;o Paulo, Ribeirx00E3;o Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Kelly Christine Marques
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Airton Cunha
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Andréia Ávila Soares de
authors.initials: AÁ
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Lusânia Maria Greggi
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Antunes
authors.forename: Ilce Mara de Syllos
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Cólus
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Barcelos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001822:Body Burden; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014018:Tissue Distribution / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C491053:MT2A protein, human; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D007854:Lead; D008668:Metallothionein