Immunochemical, cytogenetic changes and genetic polymorphism in children living under the exposure to unfavourable environmental factors

Abstract

Introduction. Studies of biomarkers of effects of susceptibility and sensitivity of the human body to exposure to environmental toxicants are a priority in the development of the hygiene science, individual predisposition to adverse effects of chemicals on DNA and the immune system being of special importance. The objective of our study was to assess immunochemical, cytogenetic changes and genetic polymorphism in children exposed to environmental hazards. Materials and methods. We examined immunochemical marker and functional metabolic changes in selected cells, indicators of the adaptive status of the body and xenogenic poisoning of children environmentally exposed to heavy metals. Gene polymorphism was determined by two detoxification genes (GSTP1 and SOD2). Poisoning was assessed by blood levels of heavy metals. Results. We revealed the presence of autoantibodies to the liver and nervous system in 100% of children. A low level of secretory IgA was observed in 27% of children. The salivary lysozyme level indicates a decrease in the protective function of local immunity by 37.9%. We established a direct relationship between the blood levels of heavy metals and genetic instability in somatic cells of the buccal epithelium. The Ile105Val polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene and the Ala16Val polymorphism of the SOD2 gene were found in 45.9% and 28.4% of children, respectively. Limitations. The paper presents the results of a survey of 3 to 6 years children with allergies attending one preschool. The absence of a control cohort prevents us from comparing our findings with those that could have been obtained for children without allergies and/or living in pollution-free areas. Conclusion. The immunochemical and cytogenetic changes, as well as the genetic polymorphism observed in children are most likely associated with adverse health effects of environmental hazards.