SOME LABORATORY PARAMETERS AND EPIGENETIC TESTING AMONG PRINTING WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction: Printing workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals e.g. solvents, ink, that could exert potential health effects. Aim of work: to study some selected biochemical, hematological parameters, and epigenetic changes of four genes among Mansoura University Printing Press (MUPP) workers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 workers in (MUPP) and 50 administrative employees from January 1 to June 30, 2018. A questionnaire was used to study socio-demographic profile and some occupational characteristics, use of personal protection on duty, and hand hygiene facilities. Complete blood picture, some kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid) and some liver function tests (serum albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes), and promoter regions methylation of four genes (P15, iNOS, CYP2E1, MAGE1) were investigated. Results: Both groups had nearly similar blood count. Printing workers had significantly higher serum creatinine (p≤0.001), uric acid (p=0.02), and liver enzymes (p≤0.001) however significantly lower serum albumin (p=0.04). Promoter regions methylation among printing workers was significantly higher for P15, iNOS, and CYP2E1 genes and MAGE1 promoter region un-methylation. There was no statistically significant association of promoter region methylation of P15 and iNOS genes with any of the socio-demographic and occupational characters of the studied groups. However, association between chemical exposure with methylation of CYP2E1 promoter region and association between age, duration of employment, and chemical exposure with un-methylation of MAGE1 promoter region were significant. Conclusion: Printing workers showed disorder of several laboratory parameters and some sort of promoter region methylation of studied genes in the form of significantly higher serum creatinine, uric acid, and liver enzymes while significantly lower serum albumin. They had significantly higher promoter regions methylation for P15, iNOS, and and MAGE1 promoter region un-methylation.