We performed aurora kinase gene expression analysis, in combination with FISH and micronucleus test, in buccal mucosa cells isolated from agricultural workers to better understand the dynamics of genomic instability in these groups of professionals. Two out of a total of 97 agricultural workers who consented to participate in the study (39 men and 58 women) reported a history of cancer based on a previously applied questionnaire. The participants were 28.4 years on average and were categorized into three distinct groups based on their habits, as the “not exposed” group included 24 samples analyzed. The group classified as “indirectly exposed” consisted of 21 samples and those classified as “directly exposed” regarding their activities involved in pesticide preparation/application included 52 samples. Our results showed significant differences in the expression of AURKA and AURKB, among the groups (p < 0.0001). The differences found were also confirmed by FISH analysis, evidencing the amplification of the studied genes. To support our data, we also performed micronucleus analysis and found significant differences when comparing the three distinct groups of participants, even if some individuals not directly exposed to pesticides showed cell abnormalities. The results suggest possible ongoing DNA damage, which on a temporal scale could promote genomic instability, and ultimately, tumor development. We believe that biomonitoring strategies, including the analysis of the expression levels of the AURKA and AURKB genes, may provide important insights into the evolution of genomic instability in the cells of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.
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