Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

K. Rudrama Devi ¹, Jithender Kumar Naik ¹

Affiliations
1 Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Abstract

Subjects occupationally exposed to potential mutagens/carcinogens represent the most suitable groups for epidemiological studies aimed at assessing the risk for the individual or the offspring. Several cancer risks to humans have been detected by epidemiological studies performed in occupational settings. The epidemiology studies have been able (a) to identify specific occupations or agents associated with the risk; (b) to verify the results of experimental studies; and (c) to test the effectiveness of changes in production or preventive measures in decreasing risks. Reproductive epidemiology has suggested a risk of spontaneous abortions or of malformation in the offspring of workers exposed to some chemicals or occupations, but data are often conflicting due to methodological problems. With the aim of early assessment of risk in mind, the epidemiological use of indicators of exposure or of the early effect of exposure to genotoxic agents is increasingly applied to occupational groups. Data on the fertility and other reproductive end points in 128 women beedi rollers exposed to tobacco dust were recorded by using standard questionnaire. The exposed group were further categorized based on duration of exposure, life style, smoking and non-smoking and socio-economic status. The statistical analysis shows that the differences in the reproductive end points between the control and exposed groups were significant (P<0.05).

Keywords

Epidemiological Survey, Beedi Workers, Tobacco Dust, Reproductive End Points.

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K. Rudrama Devi ¹, S. Jithender Kumar Naik ¹

Affiliations
1 Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, A. P., IN

Abstract

Shoe manufacturing is an age-old profession in India. The genotoxic potential of organic solvents in cultured peripheral lymphocytes has been investigated on 62 male workers in a leather shoe factory located at IDA, Nacharam in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh by using one of the recommended cytogenetic biomarkers. The blood samples were collected from male workers and 42 age matched controls. Analysis of sister chromatid exchanges in human peripheral lymphocytes was carried out in control and exposed groups. A significant increase in the percentage of SCEs was observed as compared to control. Thus, the study clearly reveals the mutagenic effect of organic solvents on human beings.

Keywords

Shoe Factory Workers, Organic Solvents, Sister Chromatid Exchanges, Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes.

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M. Moshe Raju ¹, K. Rudrama Devi ¹

Affiliations
1 Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, A. P., IN

Abstract

The protective effects of curcumin in chromium induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in in vivo animal model using analysis of chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells of mice. Three doses of curcumin were selected for modulation and given to animals after priming with chromium. The animals ware sacrificed 48hr after the treatment and slides were prepared. A significant decrease was observed in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations when animals were primed with curcumin. The present results clearly indicate the protective nature of curcumin against heavy metal genotoxicity.

Keywords

Curcuma longa, Curcumin, Chromium, Chromosomal Aberrations.

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N. Chandrashekhar Reddy ¹, K. Rudrama Devi ¹, Anjana Viz ²

Affiliations
1 Human Genetics Lab, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, A. P., IN
2 Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Hyderabad, A. P., IN

Abstract

Lead, a ubiquitous element in the environment as a result of mining and industrialization, is found as a contaminant in humans. Lead is one of the heavy metals increasingly used for the petrol additives, and for various industrial purposes such as manufacture of storage batteries, solder manufacture, printing, smelting, painting, etc. In this study the lead genotoxicity was studied by using one of the recommended biomarker to assess environmental lead exposure is micronucleus assay. The blood samples were collected from 50 workers and 40 aged matched controls (5mL of venous blood from each lead exposed individual in heparinized sterile bottles). The battery manufacturers showed a significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in comparison to that people who were not exposed to any toxicants. The results of present investigation indicate the clastogenic nature of lead in in vivo human lymphocytes of occupationally exposed population.

Keywords

Lead, Battery Manufacturers, Micronuclei, Genotoxicity.

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