Dynamic variation of histone H3 trimethyl Lys4 (H3K4me3) and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) with employment length in nickel smelting workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic variation in H3K4me3 and HP1 with employment length in nickel smelting workers.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 140 nickel smelting workers and 140 age-matched office workers to test for H3K4me3, and HP1 levels.

RESULTS: H3K4me3 was statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups and positively correlated with employment length (rs  =  0.267). HP1 was not correlated with employment length (p = 0.066) but was significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to nickel can induce oxidative damage, and increase H3K4me3 expression and inhibit HP1 expression.