Biomarkers of Genotoxicity Induced by DDT and Risk for Breast Cancer in Madison County, Alabama
Abstract
Oakwood College, a private liberal arts institution, in Huntsville, Alabama in collaboration with University of Alabama in Huntsville and University of Birmingham in Huntsville is conducting a research project to study biochemical markers of genotoxicity induced by DDT in Madison County, Alabama. Residents of the town of Triana, predominantly black have been eating fish from a local river contaminated with DDT for nearly 50 years. Recently several epidemiological studies have associated DDT with breast cancer. The purpose of the study is to identify genotoxic biomarkers such as micronuclei induction, cell proliferation and to evaluate the effects of DDT on BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene products and their modulation by the soy protein genistein in rats and exposed humans. A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 Triana residents, to evaluate all cancers combined in the overall group and breast cancer in women. The occurrence of breast cancer was significantly associated with fish consumed from the DDT contaminated ponds. (p 0.0001). Of the 17 breast cancer cases or their surrogates interviewed, 4 had a family history of breast cancer. Of the remaining 13 breast cancer cases with no family history of breast cancer, 3 cases reported other hormone-related cancers (prostate, pancreas and ovary among immediate family members). Animal experiments were performed with Sprague Dawley (SD) CD rats to determine micronuclei induction and cell proliferating effects of DDT in mammary epithelial cells. Although it appears that DDT may have a promoting effect on cell proliferation, experiments need to be repeated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA404849
Entities
People
- Padma Tadi-uppala
Organizations
- Oakwood University