Chromosome and DNA damage analysis in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides with relation to genetic polymorphism for CYP 1A1 gene in Ecuador

DNA damage was measured by using the alkaline comet assay and the chromosomal aberration (CA) test using peripheral blood samples from 45 pesticide sprayers from Cayambe, Ecuador. From a total of approximately 200 nuclei scored for each donor with the comet assay, a highly significant increase in DNA migration was observed when compared with a similar unexposed control population. Additionally, in the CA test, the exposed individuals were found to be significantly different when compared to the control population. Polymorphisms for the CYP 1A1 (Msp I and Ile/Val) in exposed individuals were analyzed by PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR techniques. No association was found between the polymorphisms and higher levels of DNA damage as assessed by the comet assay.