OBJECTIVETo compare the extent of genetic damages in somatic and germ cells from patients of benzene poisoning, silicosis and gas poisoning, which may provide clues for protection and reproductive healthcare.

METHODS174 patients with three types of occupational disease (including 48 with benzene poisoning, 71 with silicosis and 55 with gas poisoning) and 80 healthy controls had their aberrant chromosome and micronuclei rates measured with routine methods. Male patients also had their sperm samples measured for sperm abnormities and de novo mutations.

RESULTSThe aberrant chromosome rate, micro-nuclei rate and sperm abnormity were as followed: benzene poisoning 0.4%, 1.52 per thousand, (62 +/- 14%), silicosis 0.51%, 2.31 per thousand, (41 +/- 7%), harmful gas poisoning 0.42%, 1.55 per thousand, (48 +/- 8%), all being significantly higher than those of the controls [0.20%, 0.34 per thousand, (27 +/- 5)%]. The aberrant chromosome and micro-nuclei rates of silicosis group were higher than other two groups, but without statistical significance. Sperm abnormity of benzene poisoning group was significantly higher than that of other groups. In addition, de novo mutations in sperm of benzene poisoning group were detected.

CONCLUSIONPatients with the studied occupational diseases not only have genetic damage in their somatic cells, but also acquire de novo mutations in germ cells.