ANÁLISE MOLECULAR DOS POLIMORFISMOS DOS GENES GSTM1 E GSTT1 EM INDIVÍDUOS OCUPACIONALMENTE EXPOSTOS A AGROTOXICOS.

Abstract

The impact of pesticide on agricultural workers is an issue that has received attention from the scientific community worldwide. Occupational exposure of agricultural workers occurs due to lack of information or lack of skilled technical resources. These workers are exposed to pesticides in crops and this exposure may be responsible for genetic damage causing a health issue. A problem with the use of pesticides is the genotoxicity, which may lead to the onset of diseases. Little is known about the relationship between genotoxicity and genetic polymorphisms xenobiotics metabolism that can modify individual susceptibility. Therefore, there is a need to study genes as glutathione-S-transferase mu (GSTM1) and glutathione-Stransferase theta (GSTT1) encoding detoxification enzymes. These enzymes promote the conjugation of glutathione facilitating removal of xenobiotics. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the variability of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides in Goias municipalities that present intense agricultural activity. We evaluated 235 individuals which 120 were rural workers occupationally exposed to pesticides and 115 individuals were not exposed to pesticides, forming the control group. The exposed group consisted of 111 men and 9 women only getting an average of 39 + 9 years old. These workers were form 12 rural municipalities situated at Goias state with intense agricultural activity. It was found that 18% of the exposed individuals had the GSTT1 null genotype and 49% had the GSTM1 null genotype, and 10% had both null genotypes. Data as intoxication (41%), use of Personal Protection Equipment (52%) and if the worker handled the pesticide (7%), or if just applied the pesticide (22%) or if the worker manipulated and applied (71%) have all been correlated with genetic polymorphisms. There were no statistically significant differences between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms between control and exposed groups. Thus, the study of genetic polymorphisms as biomarkers of susceptibility is of fundamental importance in understanding the processes involved in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis and could help minimize the risk to susceptible individuals who are exposed to pesticides.