Telomere length and chromosomal fragility increase in car painters exposed to organic solvents: Aumento de la longitud telomerica y fragilidad cromosomica en pintores de carros expuestos a solventes

Objective: To comparing the chromosome fragility ratio and relative telomere length, of a group of car painters occupationally exposure to organic solvents with a group of non-exposed individuals in the city of Bogotá (Colombia). Methods: This was a retrospective study of two cohorts (33 men each), matched by age (±2 years) at 1:1 ratio. The differences in the fragility ratio and relative telomere length distributions were determined for both groups. Case group was composed for adult males working in artisanal shops located in Bogotá (Colombia), who were occupationally exposed to organic solvents through automotive painting for a minimum of two years. Blood samples were analyzed. The chromosomal fragile sites were detected using cytogenetics techniques and DNA was extracted to determine the length of telomeres using qPCR (Cawthon's method). Chromosomal fragility ratio and relative telomeric length were compared between car painters exposed to organic solvents and no-exposed individuals. Results: Statistically significant differences in Chromosomal fragility ratio were found between exposed (0.645 ± 0.440, med = 0.520) and non-exposed (0.414 ± 0.217, med = 0.400) (p = 0.037, Wilcoxon one-tailed test). Also, in relative telomere length, in exposed (2.728 ± 5.581, med = 1.668) and non-exposed (1.835 ± 4.727, med = 0.732) individuals (p = 0.002, Wilcoxon one-tailed test). Low degree correlation for the two parameters, using Spearman's Rho, was found (0.21, p = 0.419). Conclusions: Exposure to organic solvents increase both the telomere length and the rate of chromosomal sites fragile in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group. This study is a pioneer in the evaluation of the genotoxicity of exposure to organic solvents obtained the chromosomal fragility ratio and measuring the relative length of telomeres. We suggest applying this methodology to workers in other types of industries, for example carpentry shops, paint factories and stores where organic solvents are mixed and there is occupational exposure due to the inadequate use of protection measures or space conditioning.