Manganese superoxide dismutase genotypes and asbestos-associated pulmonary disorders

Cancer Lett. 2002 Apr 8;178(1):71-4. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3835(01)00819-9.

Abstract

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity is highly elevated in the biopsies of human asbestos-associated malignant mesothelioma. We therefore examined if polymorphism in the mitochondrial targeting sequence of the MnSOD gene modified individual susceptibility to this malignancy or related asbestos-associated pulmonary disorders. The study population consisted of 124 male Finnish asbestos insulators who were all classified as having been exposed to high levels of asbestos; 63 of the workers had no pulmonary disorders and 61 either had malignant mesothelioma or the non-malignant pulmonary disorders asbestosis and/or pleural plaques. No significant associations were found between the MnSOD genotypes and these ill-health. This study therefore suggest no major modifying role for the MnSOD polymorphism in development of asbestos-associated pulmonary disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos / adverse effects*
  • Asbestosis / enzymology*
  • Asbestosis / etiology
  • Asbestosis / genetics
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / chemically induced
  • Mesothelioma / enzymology*
  • Mesothelioma / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Pleural Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Asbestos
  • Superoxide Dismutase