Chromosomal aberrations under basal conditions and after treatment with X-ray in human lymphocytes as related to the GSTM1 genotype

Abstract

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) was evaluated in blood lymphocytes from 18 healthy subjects. Basal CA frequencies were not significantly different in GSTM1 positive and GSTM1 null subjects (P > 0.05), whereas they were considerably higher in smokers than in non-smokers. After 1 Gy dose of X-ray challenge of blood samples, CA frequencies were significantly higher in GSTM1 null subjects, compared to GSTM1 positive subjects (P < 0.005), and in smokers, compared to non-smokers. These effects are ascribed to the influence of GSTM1 genotype and of smoking status on DNA repair capacities. As the induction of CAs are associated with carcinogenesis, the challenge assay is able to detect enhanced susceptibility for CA caused by genetic predisposition of DNA repair deficiency. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V