Analysis of the Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects in a Population Chronically Exposed to Coal-Mining Residues

Abstract

Abstract During coal-mining activities, many compounds are released into the environment that can negatively impact human health. Particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and oxides are part of the complex mixture that can affect nearby populations. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of coal residues on peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal cells in individuals chronically exposed to them. We recruited 150 individuals who lived more than 20 years in the Loma-Colombia and 120 control individuals from the city of Barranquilla without a history of exposure to coal-mining. In cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, significant differences in the frequency of micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear bud (NBUD), and apoptotic cells (APOP) were observed between the two groups. In buccal micronucleus cytome (BM-Cyt) assay, a significant formation of NBUD, karyorrhexis (KRX), karyolysis (KRL), condensed chromatin (CC), and binucleated (BN) cells was observed in the exposed group. Considering sociodemographic factors, a significant correlation was found between CBMN-Cyt-NBUD and vitamin consumption and between CBMN-Cyt-MN and CBMN-Cyt-APOP and meat consumption. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between BM-Cyt-KRL and vitamin consumption. Using Raman spectroscopy, a significant increase in the concentration of DNA/RNA bases, creatinine, polysaccharides and fatty acids was detected in the urine of individuals exposed to coal-mining compared to the control group. These results contribute to the discussion on the effects of coal-mining on nearby populations and the development of diseases due to chronic exposure to these residues.