Effect of genotoxic exposure to chromium among electroplating workers in Taiwan

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between chromium ŽCr. concentrations and sister chromatid exchanges ŽSCE. formation in Cr workers and to assess the effects of susceptible genes Žglutathione S-transferase M1 and T1. on the frequency of deletion and SCE cell. Urinary Cr concentration was significantly elevated in Cr workers Ž3.67 3.89 g g creatinine. compared to control group Ž1.21 1.16 g g creatinine, P 0.01.. There was also a significant difference of superoxide dismutase ŽSOD. levels between Cr workers Ž6.86 0.80 U mg Hb. and controls Ž7.16 0.53 U mg Hb, P 0.01.. The frequencies of SCE and high frequency cells ŽHFC. were significantly correlated with smoking habits and with duration of exposure to Cr. A significantly higher percentage Ž50%. of Cr workers had both the null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype as compared to 10% of the controls ŽP 0.01.. However, the chromosomal DNA damage effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes, individually or in combination, was not revealed in Cr exposed workers.