Multiple factors influencing telomere length and DNA damage in individuals living near a coal-burning power plant

Abstract Coal is a mixture of several chemicals, many of which have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and a key contributor to the global burden of mortality and disease. Previous studies suggest that coal is related to telomeric shortening in individuals occupationally exposed, however little is known about the effects of mining and burning coal on the telomeres of individuals living nearby. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of this exposure on genomic instability of individuals who live near coal activities, besides correlating results with individual characteristics, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and inorganic elements. The study involved 80 men participants from three cities around a thermoelectric power plant and one city unexposed to coal and byproducts. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples from all individuals and telomeres (TL) were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). No significant difference was observed between exposed individuals (6.227 ± 2.884 pb) when compared to the unexposed group (5.638 ± 2.452 bp). Nevertheless, TL decrease was associated with age and risk for cardiovascular disease. Higher concentrations of Si and P in blood samples were associated with longer telomeres length. No correlations were observed between TL with comet assay, micronucleus test, oxidative stress, and inflammatory results. Further studies are needed to determine whether these alterations are associated with diseases and premature deaths.