Gene-specific DNA methylation as a valuable tool for risk assessment: The case of occupational exposure to different VOC's in Mexican workers

Gene-specific methylation levels (promoter region) on genes from critical cellular pathways were determined in persons occupationally exposed to a single VOC. Workers from tanneries, shoe factories, and gas stations exposed to VOC were considered. Workers from the leather shoe factory showed the highest exposure levels for up to five different VOC. No statistical significant difference was observed in gene-specific methylation for tannery workers when compared to the control group. Gas station attendants showed hypermethylation for the IL6 gene compared to controls.