Dopamine D2 receptor ANKK1/DRD2 gene (rs18004976) polymorphism and features of the neuroimmune profile in children in North-Eastern and South-Eastern Siberia under exposure to airborne benzo(a)pyrene

Introduction. Examining peculiarities of neuroimmune profiles and candidate gene polymorphism is a relevant trend in identifying markers of effects and sensitivity to chemical exposures in northern areas. Materials and methods. We examined one thousand two hundred fifty three children residing in North-Eastern and South-Eastern Siberia. Blood benzo(a)pyrene levels were detected by HPLC. The ANKK1/DRD2 (rs18004976) gene polymorphism was studied using real-time PCR. IgG to benzo(a)pyrene levels were identified by allergosorbent testing. Dopamine levels were identified by using ELISA. Results. Exposure to airborne benz(a)pyrene in an industrial center in North-Eastern Siberia at the dose of 0.0073 µg/(kg ∙ day) causes an elevated risk of specific hapten hypersensitivity (IgG to benzo(a)pyrene), inhibition of dopaminergic regulation (dopamine deficiency), and elevated benzo(a)pyrene contamination in biological media. The identified changes are similar to those established in children exposed to this polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon at the dose of 0.0858 µg/(kg ∙ day) in South-Eastern Siberia. Limitations. The sample needs expanding and any results obtained by further observations should be verified. Conclusion. Children exposed to low doses of benzo(a)pyrene (0.0073 µg/(kg ∙ day)) in North-Eastern Siberia have elevated risks of disorders in the neuroimmune profile associated with the T-allele and TT genotype (rs1800497) of the ANKK1/DRD2 gene (OR =2.17 – 2.83, p<0.05) (hyperproduction of IgG to benzo(a)pyrene, dopamine deficiency), which are comparable with similar changes in the neuroimmune profile associated with C-allele and CC-genotype of the ANKK1/DRD2 gene (rs1800497) (OR=1.69 – 1.72, p<0.05) under exposure to benzo(a)pyrene at the dose of 0.0858 µg /(kg ∙ day) in South-Eastern Siberia. This indicates to the higher sensitivity of the body to chemical exposures in specific climatic conditions in northern areas.