Cytogenetic Study in Tannery Workers and the Synergistic Role of Smoking
Amal Saad1, Saida A. Hammad2, Nagat M. Amer1, Hend Rashad1,
and Khaled S. Mohamed1
Departments of 1 Environmental & Occupational Medicine, and 2 Human Cytogenetic, National Research Center, Egypt
Corresponding author: Dr. Amal Saad
Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department
National Research Center
El-Behos St. (Tahrir St.Prev.)
12311, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail: amel_h3@yahoo.com
Abstract: This study aimed to estimate cytogenetic profile in adult male leather tannery workers and find out the
role of smoking habits. In the present study chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE)
frequencies in lymphocytes of tannery workers were evaluated by standard metaphase analysis method. 40 exposed
workers were examined versus 59 controls. Results obtained showed that there was no significant difference as
regards CA and SCE between exposed workers and controls. Chromosomal aberrations and SCE of smokers; whether
exposed or controls, were significantly increased compared to non-smokers in the two groups.