Do mutations in DNMT3A/3B affect global DNA hypomethylation among benzene-exposed workers in Southeast China?: Effects of mutations in DNMT3A/3B on global DNA hypomethylation.

Global DNA hypomethylation is commonly observed in benzene-exposed workers, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We sought to discover the relationships among reduced white blood cell (WBC) counts, micronuclear (MN) frequency, and global DNA methylation to determine whether there were associations with mutations in DNMT3A/3B. Therefore, we recruited 410 shoe factory workers and 102 controls from Wenzhou in Zhenjiang Province.

Benchmark Doses Based on Abnormality of WBC or Micronucleus Frequency in Benzene-Exposed Chinese Workers.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to calculate benchmark dose for chromosomal damage and reduced white blood cell (WBC) associated with exposure to benzene (BZ).

Methods: A group of 317 exposed workers and 102 controls were examined for WBC count and genotoxicity by micronucleus (MN) frequency. The cumulative exposure concentration of BZ was calculated by ambient air BZ concentration at worksites in conjunction with job type and associated service duration.