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  • Epigenetic marker (LINE-1 promoter) methylation level was associated with occupational lead exposure.

Epigenetic marker (LINE-1 promoter) methylation level was associated with occupational lead exposure.

Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) (2013-03-27)
Chunping Li, Xiaolin Yang, Ming Xu, Jinlong Zhang, Na Sun
ABSTRACT

Occupational and environmental exposures to lead (Pb) are a worldwide concern. DNA methylation plays an important role in the development of Pb toxicity. Here, we try to find out the evidence to prove that the methylation of the LINE-1 promoter may be involved in Pb toxicity. To determine whether the methylation level of the LINE-1 is associated with the risk of Pb poisoning, we first constructed a Pb acetate-treated cell model to detect the association between LINE-1 methylation and Pb exposure. A case-control study involving 53 workers from a battery plant and 57 healthy volunteers with matching age and gender distribution was carried out. We employed methylation-specific real-time PCR to determine the relationship between LINE-1 methylation level and Pb exposure. In the cell model, Pb exposure significantly decreased the level of LINE-1 methylation (p = 0.009). Significant difference in methylation frequencies was found between the exposed and control samples (p < 0.001). We also found a decreasing trend of LINE-1 methylation level with increasing blood Pb level (p < 0.001). Therefore, the LINE-1 promoter methylation might contribute to the risk of Pb poisoning and identified a possible epigenetic biomarker for Pb toxicity, especially in individuals occupationally exposed to Pb.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Lead(II) acetate trihydrate, 99.999% trace metals basis
Sigma-Aldrich
Lead(II) acetate trihydrate, ≥99.99% trace metals basis
Sigma-Aldrich
Lead(II) acetate trihydrate, JIS special grade, ≥99.5%
Sigma-Aldrich
Lead(II) acetate trihydrate, ACS reagent, ≥99%
Sigma-Aldrich
Lead(II) acetate trihydrate, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., 99.5-102.0%