Study on lymphocyte DNA breakup and serum reactive oxygen species level in coke oven workers

  Objective   To explore lymphocyte DNA breakup and serum reactive oxygen species(ROS)level in coke oven workers and to screen the earlier biomarkers for occupational pulmonary cancer.

  Methods   DNA breakup was detected using the method of single cell gel electrophoresis(SCGE)and ROS level were assayed by the method of Fenton in 39 coke oven workers and 21 normal controls, respectively.

  Results   DNA breakup rate was markedly higher in coke oven workers than that of controls(P < 0.01), and DNA damage rate increased with the work age(P < 0.05).The serum ROS level was also much higher in coke oven workers than that of controls(P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   The workers exposed to coke oven volatiles could cause the increase of DNA damage rate, and ROS level increase might be involved in this process.