DNA adducts of 1,3-butadiene in humans: Relationships to exposure, GST genotypes, single-strand breaks, and cytogenetic end points

The modulation of 1,3-butadiene (BD)-induced DNA adducts by occupational ex posure, glutathione S-transferase (GST) genotypes, single-strand breaks, an d cytogenetic end points was studied in 15 workers and 11 controls. The exp osed group consisted of 8 smokers and 7 nonsmokers, whereas the control gro up consisted of 7 nonsmokers and 4 smokers. Among all subjects, the adduct levels in workers lacking GSTM1 were significantly higher than in those who were GSTM1 positive (P = 0.026), and individuals with combined GSTM1(-) an d GSTT1(+) genotype had elevated level of adducts compared to that of perso ns with GSTM1(+) and GSTT1(+) (P = 0.049). The increase in BD-DNA adduct le vels in all subjects was significantly related to BD exposure and GSTM1 gen otype (linear multiple regression analysis, P = 0.001; P = 0.035). The resu lts suggest that DNA adducts serve as a sensitive and specific biomarker, i ntegrating exposure and host metabolic capacity, although the data are limi ted to a small number of subjects. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37: 226-230, 2001 . (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.