Free Case Review

Blood Cells Affected by Benzene & Role of Genetics in Leukemia

From: Scientific Studies on Benzene Health Effects

Types of Blood Cells Affected by Benzene

Cytogenetic Mechanisms

Fenech 2002

• Cancer is a disease of altered gene expression involving a complex array of epigenetic events, gene mutation, chromosomal rearrangements and altered chromosome numbers.
• DNA damage biomarkers may serve as a surrogate for cancer.
• Nordic and Italian prospective cohort studies have confirmed that elevated rates of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes are predictive of cancer risk.
• The biomarkers of exposure and effect and clinical disease may all be largely influenced by susceptibility factors that include polymorphisms that alter activity of relevant DNA repair, carcinogenic metabolism, and apoptotic pathway genes.

Fenech M. 2002. Biomarkers of genetic damage for cancer epidemiology. Toxicology 27:181-182.

GAD-EL-KARIM et al. (1975)

• The myeloclastogenic effect of benzene appears to be the earliest benzene-induced cellular damage in which chromosomal DNA is a primary critical target, and which is readily identifiable (scorable) and antedates changes in peripheral blood counts (leukocytic, platelet counts, etc.)
• Benzene's myeloclastogenicity is a function of its metabolism.

Gad-El-Karim MM, Ramanujam S, Ahmed AE, Legator MS. 1975. Benzene myeloclastogenicity: A function of its metabolism. Am J Ind Med 7:475-484.

PICCIANO (1979)

• "Cytogenetic evaluation of peripheral lymphocytes from 52 workers exposed to low levels of benzene (less than 10 ppm) has revealed an increase in aberration rates as compared to that of a 44-person group seen for pre-employment examination.
• "Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of specific types of chromosomal aberrations."

Picciano D. 1979. Cytogenetic study of workers exposed to benzene. Environ Res 19:33-38.

GREEN et al. (1981)

• Acute and chronic dose/response effects of inhaled benzene on multipotential hematopoietic stem (CFU-S) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GM-CFU-C) cells in CD-1 mice.

Green JD, Snyder CA, LoBue J, et al. 1981. Acute and chronic dose/response effects of inhaled benzene on multipotential hematopoietic stem (CFU-S) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GM-CFU-C) cells in CD-1 mice. Toxicol Applied Pharmacol 58: 492-503.

Our Lawyers Can Help!

If you have questions about benzene poisoning or blood disorder symptoms and are concerned about possible occupational diseases and cancers, we are here to help. Toxic tort and injury laws are complex and confusing. The Metzger Law Group is here to help you. Call us today for a FREE evaluation to find out if you have a case or fill out our free evaluation forms to consult with a member of our caring staff.