Study on gene expression of metallothionein in patients suffered from coal-burnt arsenism

  Objective   To elucidate the molecular mechanism of arsenism caused by burning coal, Gene expriession of Metal lothionein(MT)between patients suffered from this kind of arsenism and the normal people was compared and to study the gene expression of MT and its significance.

  Methods   RNA was extracted by the TRIzol Phenol Chloroform method.Quantity of the RNA was determined by UV spectrophotometry and the purity of the extracted RNA was judged by the ratios of A260/A280.The real time-RT-PCR technique was used to mesure the mRNA expression of MT in the coal burntar senism.The actin was used as quality control in the Real time RTPCR.There was statistical difference when the p value was less than 0.05.

  Results   The normal groups mRNA relative expression level of MT was equal to 6.82±7.80.The arsenism groups mRNA relative expression level of MT was equal to 2.02±2.82.The mRNA expression of MT reduced in the patients, and it was approximately equal to 30% of the normal controls.There was statistical difference(P < 0.01)between them.

  Conclusion   The MT has important significance in the metabolism of coal burnt arsenism and plays an improtant role in regulation.The decrease of the mRNA expression of MT in the patients with coal burn arsenism may be related to the aresnism mechanism.