Assessment of genotoxic effects of lead in occupationally exposed workers.

The genotoxicological effects in 200 lead acid storage battery recycling and manufacturing industry workers in Hyderabad along with matched 200 controls were studied. The genetic damage was determined by comet, micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal aberration (CA) test in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The MN test was also carried out in buccal epithelial cells (BECs).

p16 gene alterations in human ovarian cancers: comparison between tissue and blood samples.

Objective: To determine the alterations of tumor suppressor gene p16INK4A in human ovarian cancers to explore the possibilities of identifying potential minimally invasive markers in blood of the patients, which could help in the clinical practice as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.

Methods: Ovarian cancer tissue and corresponding blood samples were collected from patients (n = 50). The promoter methylation and mutation status of p16 gene in blood and ovarian tissue DNA was then assessed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography along with DNA sequencing method.

Increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in industrial painters exposed to lead-based paints.

The investigation was carried out in the peripheral lymphocytes of industrial painters who were exposed to dust and fumes of lead-based paints. Samples of peripheral blood were collected from 102 workers out of which 40 were smokers and 62 were nonsmokers. The painters in both the categories were divided in to 3 groups based on duration of exposure.