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Promoter methylation status in genes related with inflammation, nitrosative stress and xenobiotic metabolism in low-level benzene exposure: Searching for biomarkers of oncogenesis

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Hyang-Min ByunORCiD

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Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. Exposure to low levels of benzene may cause acute myeloid leukemia in humans. Epigenetic effects in benzene exposure have been studied for tumor suppressor genes and oxidative stress-related genes, but other cellular pathways must be explored. Here, we studied promoter DNA methylation of IL6, CYP2E1 and iNOS in blood cells from three groups of workers: a) gas station attendants (GS) exposed to low levels of benzene; b) plastic shoe factory workers (PS) exposed to other solvents different to benzene and c) administrative workers as a reference group with no solvent exposure (C). Results: IL6 promoter methylation was higher in GS workers (p < 0.05). Also in GS, CYP2E1 promoter methylation negatively correlated with benzene levels (r = -0.47, p < 0.05); iNOS promoter methylation positively correlated with CYP2E1 promoter methylation (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), cumulative time of exposure (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) as well as with urinary levels of S- Phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA), (r = 0.55, p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate alterations in the inflammation pathway at the epigenetic level associated with exposure to benzene. Correlations between iNOS methylation with both CYP2E1 methylation and urinary SPMA levels represent novel evidence about CYP2E1 epigenetic regulation and activity related with nitrosative stress, making promoter methylation status of these genes a potential biomarker in early stages of oncogenesis.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Jimenez-Garza O, Guo L, Byun H-M, Carrieri M, Bartolucci GB, Zhong J, Baccarelli AA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology

Year: 2017

Volume: 109

Issue: 1

Pages: 669-676

Print publication date: 01/11/2017

Online publication date: 18/08/2017

Acceptance date: 15/08/2017

Date deposited: 07/03/2018

ISSN (print): 0278-6915

ISSN (electronic): 1873-6351

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.019

DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.019

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