GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes are Associated With DNA Damage of p53 Gene in Coke-oven Workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether variations in GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene are associated with the DNA damage level of p53 gene.

METHODS: We quantified urinary 1-hydroxypyrene using high-performance liquid chromatography, and examined the DNA damage level of p53 gene by real-time quantitative PCR in 756 coke-oven workers. Multiplex PCR was used to detect the presence or absence of genes.

RESULTS: DNA damage levels of p53 gene in the high exposure group and intermediate exposure group were significantly higher than that of p53 gene in the low exposure group (P < 0.01). In coke-oven workers, the DNA damage levels of subjects with non-null genotype in GSTT1 or GSTM1 gene were significantly higher than that of those with the null genotype (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: GSTT1 and GSTM1 may modulate DNA damage levels of p53 gene when exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.