The Genotoxic Effects in the Leukocytes of Workers Handling Nanocomposite Materials

Novotna et al: The Genotoxic Effects in the Leukocytes of Workers Handling Nanocomposite Materials, Mutagenesis 2020, 35, 331–340

In this study, the effect of nanoparticles on DNA damage in leukocytes was analyzed. Blood samples were taken from a group of 20 workers occupationally exposed to nanoparticles for a long time. Compared to controls, the enzyme-modified comet assay demonstrated a considerable increase of both single- and double-strand breaks in DNA (DNA-SB) and oxidized bases. The results of the repeated study exhibited a similar trend only with the difference of lower levels of DNA damage. It may be concluded that the way nanocomposites are handled affects the risk of genetic damage.

LRI NanoEnviCz researcher team from IEM participated in this research.