Polimorfismo genético como instrumento de biomonitoramento de suscetibilidade à radiação natural

Abstract

The polymorphic study of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes in populations chronically exposed to radon gas is essential for understanding the susceptibility of these groups to diseases associated with alpha radiation. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of chronic exposure to alpha particles through radon inhalation, especially in the semi-arid region of Potiguar, using genetic polymorphism as a tool for susceptibility biomonitoring. Initially, a bibliometric method was used to analyze the use of polymorphism studies of GSTT1 and GSTM1 and potential gaps in scientific production involving the mentioned genes as susceptibility markers against exposure to different substances including environmental xenobiotics. Subsequently, a study was conducted comparing the frequency of polymorphisms in two localities, one with proven high levels of radon exposure and another with low exposure. For this purpose, extraction, polymerization, and electrophoresis methods were used on biological samples to obtain genomic information. Additionally, demographic information of the volunteers was collected to assess the genetic and social factors involved. Thus, it was possible to identify gaps in research involving the mentioned genes and describe the phenotypic frequency of population groups in the region, establishing therefore a set of necessary information to evaluate the susceptibility of tested individuals to the carcinogenic process.