Polymorphism of XRCC1 and chromosome damage in workers occupationally exposed to benzene

Objective To explore the relationship between the polymorphisms of DNA repair gene (XRCCI 194,280 and 399) and the chromosomal damage induced by benzene.Methods The chromosomal damage of the peripheral lymphocytes in 459 workers occupationally exposed to benzene and 88 non-exposed controls were detected with cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay.PCR-RFLP technique was used to measure polymorphisms in XR CCI 194,280 and 399.Results It was found that the MN frequency (2.12‰±1.88‰)of the exposed group was significantly higher than that (1.19‰±1.68‰) of the control group (P＜0.05),in the exposed group,the M N frequency (3.00‰±2.76‰) of older workers ( ＞35 years ) was significantly higher than that (2.02‰±1.71‰) of younger workers (≤35 years) (P＜0.05).The effect of genetic polymorphisms of XRCCI on CBMN was not found.The haplotypes AAA/BAA,AAB/AAB,ABA/ABA,ABB/ABB could associated with the increased frequencies of total micronucleus (P＜0.05).Conclusion Benzene exposure could result in chromosome damage.Age of workers and diplotypes of XRCCI could associated with chromosomal damage induced by benzene. Key words: Benzene; DNA damage; Micronucleus tests; Polymorphism, single nucleotide