Genetic variation in <i>GSTP1</i> and <i>TBXA2R</i> genes: influence of Badoush cement factory pollutant

Industrial advancements, while driving economic growth, have simultaneously intensified environmental pollution levels, posing significant health risks to populations residing near industrial hubs. The release of a complex mixture of pollutants, including heavy metals, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, and cancer. The Badoush Cement Factor in Mosul city, Nineveh, Iraq, a major industrial facility, exemplifies this challenge, emitting substantial quantities of air pollutants capable of long-range transport. This study, therefore, investigated the potential gene-environment interactions focusing on TBXA2R and GSTP1 genes and contributing to respiratory health disparities among 64 employees of the Badoush Cement Factory compared to 10 control subjects. Specifically, the study employed the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR) reaction technique to analyze the role of the TBXA2R gene, known for its involvement in bronchoconstriction and susceptibility to asthma, and the GSTP1 gene, encoding a crucial antioxidant enzyme protecting lung tissue from oxidative stress. By examining these genetic markers within the context of occupational exposure at the Badoush Cement Factory, this research aimed to elucidate the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in determining respiratory health outcomes. The results indicated that there was no direct correlation between exposure to pollutants and genetic variation in the TBXA2R gene. However, prolonged exposure to pollutants may increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases. No significant association was found between pollutants emitted from the cement plant and genetic variation in the GSTP1 gene.