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The comet assay as a tool in human biomonitoring of exposure to heavy metals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Resumo:Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and chromium is associated with genotoxicity and increased risk of cancer. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have assessed the effects of heavy metal exposure on levels of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes, measured by the comet assay, in human biomonitoring studies. We distinguish between traditional toxic metals (lead), semi-metals/metalloids (arsenic), transition metals (chromium), and other heavy metals. The literature search led to 66 studies, which were assessed by meta-analysis. Using standardized mean difference and 95 % confidence interval (CI), the meta-analyses show increased levels of DNA strand breaks in subjects exposed to lead (1.99, 95 % CI: 1.47, 2.51), arsenic (1.36, 95 % CI: 0.94, 1.77), chromium/welding fume (2.03, 95 % CI: 1.48, 2.57), and other heavy metals (0.81, 95 % CI: 0.45, 1.18). Subgroup analysis indicates that all studies combined from middle-income countries have a higher effect size (1.99, 95 % CI: 1.63, 2.35) than studies from high-income countries (0.81, 95 % CI: 0.37, 1.26). The lower effect size in high-income countries may be due to differences in exposure levels, related to stricter regulation of emissions or more awareness/use of personal protective equipment in the working environment. Sensitivity analysis does not unequivocally link effect size to comet assay measurement bias, inferred by insufficient information on comet assay procedures, missing assay controls, non-blinded analysis of samples, or exposure misclassification. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis shows that exposure to heavy metals - lead, arsenic, and chromium - is associated with increased levels of DNA strand breaks in human leukocytes.
Autores principais:Møller, Peter
Outros Autores:Bankoglu, Ezgi Eyluel; Stopper, Helga; Gajski, Goran; Gerić, Marko; Haveric, Anja; Azqueta, Amaya; Giovannelli, Lisa; Collins, Andrew; Ladeira, Carina
Assunto:Biomonitoring DNA damage Genotoxicity biomarkers Meta-analysis Occupational exposure Transition metals
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa

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