OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE IN ELECTROPLATERS CO-EXPOSED TO CHROMIUM AND NICKEL

The urinary levels of 8-hydoxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, was measured in 117 electroplaters co-exposed to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni). Non exposed 45 office workers were used as the control group. Additionally, urinary beta 2-microglobulin (B2MG) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were used to evaluate to effect of co-exposure to Cr and Ni produced renal injuries in electroplaters. Correlations between urinary 8-OHdG level and levels of Cr, Ni in urine, GFR, B2MG, socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, body-weight index, duration of exposure), lifestyles (e.g., habits of smoking and alcohol consumption) were investigated as well. The results showed that the urinary mean levels of 8-OHdG, Cr, Ni, B2MG in co-exposed workers were significantly high than those of the control groups. A significant correlation existed between 8-OHdG and Ni levels, alcohol consumption and the duration of exposure. The present study suggested that co-exposure to Cr and Ni may lead to DNA oxidative damage increasing with the duration of exposure in electroplaters. Additionally, occupational co-exposure to Cr and Ni-known to be carcinogenic-might produce damage in the renal through oxidative stress in electroplaters.