Polymorphisms in the p53 pathway genes and micronucleus occurrence in Chinese vinyl chloride-exposed workers

Objectives To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the p53 pathway genes and chromosomal damage in vinyl chloride (VC)-exposed workers. Materials and Methods Cytokinesis block micronucleus test was performed in 310 VC-exposed workers and 149 non-exposed workers to determine chromosomal damage. The polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique were used to detect six SNPs in the p53 pathway genes involved in the cell cycle. Results There was a highly significant dose-response relationship between VC exposure and chromosomal damage. Individuals carrying the variant genotypes were at higher risk for chromosomal damage compared with their wild type genotype: p53rs1042522, MDM2 Del1518rs3730485, MDM2rs2279744 and GADD45Ars532446. On the other hand, individuals possessing the variant genotype of CDKN2A rs3088440 had significantly decreased risk compared with the corresponding wild-type. Conclusions Genetic polymorphisms in P53 pathway genes may have an impact on VC-induced chromosomal damage.