Are micronuclei a biomarker of susceptibility?

作者：Orsiere T^*; Iarmarcovai G; Botta A

来源：Archives des Maladies Professionnelles et de l'Environnement, 2008, 69(3): 475-484.

DOI：10.1016/j.admp.2008.02.002

• biomarkers
• genotoxicity
• cancer risk
• genetic polymorphism

Aim of the study. The impact of environments, occupational or not, in carcinogenesis is better established. The actions of environmental agents are better understood in the initiation, promotion and progression of environmental cancers, and thus the role of genotoxic agents is well defined. The aim of the present review was to revisit the use of the micronucleus assay in the biomonitoring of populations occupationally exposed to carcinogens and to discuss its significance in terms of prevention/prediction/susceptibility of the carcinogenic risk.
Method. To reach this goal, we used published data and examples from our personal experience. The current concept of environmentally-induced carcinogenesis are briefly described. We then discussed about the links between micronuclei and carcinogen exposure, and micronuclei and cancer risk.
Results. Occupational cancers can be prevented by using monitoring biomarkers, such as the micronucleus test on peripheral binucleated lymphocytes in culture. This test, used for more than 20 years in biomonitoring studies, has recently been examined by the "human micronucleus (HUMN) project". Its sources of variability are better established, and it has been shown that a high frequency of micronuclei was associated with an increased risk of cancer, independently of the exposure.
Conclusion. In conclusion, it seems that the micronucleus test gives insight into interindividual differences in response to a genotoxic exposure and should be included among the biomarkers of susceptibility to cancer.

• 出版日期2008-7