Lead exposure and plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene.
Epidemiologic data for carcinogenicity in those exposed to lead (Pb) suggests relations with cancers although the totality of the evidence is inconsistent. Alterations in the expression of ERBB receptors have been studied during the development and malignant transformation of different kinds of human tumors where they induce proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis generation. Relevant clinical data demonstrate the role of ERBB2 receptors in the development and malignancy of human cancers. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to give more information on the link between plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene and lead blood levels in a healthy population. Blood samples, socio‑demographic, exposure and health data were obtained from 48 healthy men. Real‑time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect ERBB2 gene transcripts, ΔΔCt method was used to quantify gene expression. Pb blood level was assayed using high‑resolution sector field inductively coupled mass spectrometry and is expressed in µg/dl. Plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene was 6.44±3.07 ΔΔCt; Pb blood levels was 16.07±6.74 µg/dl. Regression analysis revealed a significant association (r2=0.5345; p<0.0001) between Pb levels and mRNA expression in ERBB2. So far, it has still not been established if the expression of ERBB2 receptors is influenced by Pb exposure. On the base of the above reported data, we believe an in vitro study might be useful, to understand the molecular mechanisms implicated.
Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Margherita
M
Ferrante
Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Caterina
C
Ledda
Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Gea
G
Oliveri Conti
Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Maria
M
Fiore
Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Venerando
V
Rapisarda
Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy.
Chiara
C
Copat
ISAB S.r.l. ‑ Lukoil, I‑96010 Priolo Gargallo, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Sole
Section of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95124 Catania, Italy.
Nivea
N
Terzo
Section of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95124 Catania, Italy.
Salvatore
S
Travali
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012313:RNA / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D007854:Lead; D012313:RNA; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; C508053:ERBB2 protein, human