Relationship of the superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene Ala16Val polymorphism with risk factors for the cardiovascular disease in iron and steel production employees

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the population, their diagnosis and prevention are of great importance nowadays. Ferrous metallurgy workers are exposed to occupational risk factors, which, together with a genetic predisposition, can induce and affect progression of diseases of the circulatory system. The Ala16Val (rs4880) polymorphism influences the functioning of the superoxide dismutase enzyme, which catalyzes the first step in the removal of reactive oxygen species, and can be therefore associated with cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities. Our objective was to study the relationship between SOD2 gene Ala16Val polymorphism and blood pressure, body mass index, and biochemical blood test parameters (total cholesterol and glucose levels) in iron and steel production employees. Materials and methods. The study cohort included ninety eight 24 to 66 years (mean: 48.8 ± 8.3 years) male patients working in the converter shop of a metallurgical plant. Genomic DNA was isolated using the LumiPure kit (Lumiprobe, Russia) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Genotyping was performed using a QuantStudioTM 3 real-time PCR system (ThermoFisher, USA) and a commercial SNP-Screen kit (Synthol, Russia). Results. The Val/Val genotype was associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total blood cholesterol. Limitations. The study limitations include the lack of comprehensive data on working conditions in the sanitary and hygienic characteristics presented. There is no control group in the study, which does not allow assessing the contribution of occupational risk factors to the development of cardiovascular diseases in carriers of the Val/Val genotype. However, our sample can be considered representative, which allows applying the findings to assessing health risks for the adult working-age population involved in ferrous metals production with account for regional features. Conclusion. We assume that the Val/Val genotype is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the metallurgists due to the reduced antioxidant potential.