Genetic polymorphism impact superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in charcoal workers

Background Incomplete combustion of wood releases toxic chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals during charcoal production can modulate redox status of cellular system which may further lead to genomic instability and of antioxidant enzymes. Genetic polymorphism may alter the functioning properties of these enzymes and modulate the response to oxidative stress. Methods In this study, we analyzed the link between genetic polymorphism and enzyme activity for antioxidant enzymes: MnSOD and GPx-1 in charcoal workers and control population. This study included 77 charcoal workers and 79 demographically matched healthy control subjects. This association was studied using multiple linear regression, adjusted for confounding factors viz. age, consumption habits and exposure duration. Results SOD activity was lower for TT genotype (3.47 +/- 0.66; 5.92 +/- 1.08) versus CC genotype (3.47 +/- 0.66; 6.67 +/- 1.60) in control and charcoal workers respectively. Significant lower GPx-1 activity was found in leu/leu genotype (7.25 +/- 0.38; 3.59 +/- 0.57) when compared to pro/pro genotype (7.78 +/- 0.59; 4.28 +/- 0.71) and pro/leu genotype (8.48 +/- 0.34; 4.30 +/- 0.76) in control population and charcoal workers respectively. A significant difference in the levels of 1-Hydroxypyrene (biomarker of exposure) and SOD and GPx-1 activity (biomarkers of oxidative stress) was evident in exposed group in comparison to the control one. Conclusion Collectively, our findings suggested that PAH influenced the mode of action of SOD and GPx-1 which were impacted by polymorphism in SOD and GPx-1 gene. Hence, polymorphism of MnSOD and GPx-1 genes were found to play a modulatory role in human susceptibility to oxidative damage induced by wood smoke in charcoal workers.

Automated summary

By analyzing the association between genetic polymorphism and enzyme activity of antioxidant enzymes in charcoal workers and control population, it was found that genetic polymorphisms play a modulatory role in human susceptibility to oxidative damage induced by wood smoke in charcoal workers.