Objective: This study investigates the mechanisms of benzene hematotoxicity.
Methods: We used microarray to detect expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in peripheral lymphocytes from chronic benzene poisoning, acute myelocytic leukemia, and healthy controls. The lncRNAs and mRNAs were validated using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was used to analyze chromosomal aberration.
Results: We found 173 upregulated and 258 downregulated lncRNAs, and 695 upregulated and 804 downregulated mRNAs. The lncRNA CUST_40243 and mRNA PDGFC and CDKN1A associated with chronic benzene poisoning. Relevant inflammatory response, hematopoietic cell lineage, and cell cycle may be important pathways for the sifted lncRNAs and mRNAs. Furthermore, micronuclei frequency was significantly higher in off-post chronic benzene poisoning patients.
Conclusions: Chromosomal aberration induced by benzene exposure is irreversible. The lncRNA CUST_40243 and mRNA PDGFC and CDKN1A are related to chronic benzene poisoning.