Gen-specific DNA methylation in workers exposed to volatile organic compounds from the city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico

Abstract

There are few reports about epigenetic effects in occupational exposure to a single volatile organic compound (VOC), while this same effect has not been studied in exposure to a mixture of them. In this study the levels of gene-specific methylation were determined in persons occupationally exposed to VOCs mixtures. For this study workers from different labor scenarios (exposed group to VOCs) and a reference group were included. We measured VOCs individual exposure levels. Blood samples were taken and the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) was extracted to determine, by PCR-pyrosequencing, methylation levels in 13 different genes. Hypermethylation for the TNFα, SOD1 and TOP2A genes was found in a subgroup exposed. Another exposed subgroup showed hypermethylation for the IL6 gene compared to controls. Occupational exposure to a mixture of VOCs has important effects on the methylation status of genes involved in inflammation, DNA repair and oxidative stress.