Detection of DNA damage of workers occupationally exposed to lead with flow cytometer assay

Abstract

To study DNA damage of workers occupationally exposed to lead with flow cytometer assay. The lymphocytes were obtained from 41 workers occupationally exposed to lead (comparable group) and another 50 from control group. Flow cytometer (FCM) assay was used to detect DNA damage. DNA damage rate and geometric mean fluorescence intensity in the comparable group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the DNA damage and geometric mean fluorescence intensity between different age groups (P>0.05). The differences in correlation analysis between blood lead, urine lead, delta-ALA and DNA damage rate were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation analysis showed no statistical significance between concentration of blood lead, urine lead, delta-ALA and geometric mean fluorescence intensity (P>0.05). There was positive correlations not only between the high concentration of blood lead, delta-ALA and damage rate of DNA, but also between the high concentration of blood lead and geometric mean fluorescence intensity. The coefficient r showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Occupational lead exposure can cause DNA damage. Gamma H2AX flow cytometer assay is a sensitive, objective and effective method for detection of DNA damage of peripheral blood lymphocytes.