Systematic review investigates genetic factors linked to DNA damage in children exposed to environmental mutagens, suggesting implications for health monitoring.
Children, as a particularly vulnerable group, are more susceptible to these mutagens due to their developing immune systems, higher physiological vulnerability, and increased exposure through behaviors like outdoor play and hand-to-mouth activities. This review aims to investigate the relationship between these environmental exposures, genetic polymorphisms, and DNA damage in children, with a focus on how genetic factors influence the extent of damage caused by these mutagens. After literature review, a total of 10 studies were thoroughly reviewed by four independent reviewers, who assessed each study according to specific evaluation criteria. Our findings indicated a significant association between genetic polymorphisms and genotoxic effects in individuals exposed to environmental mutagens, with nine studies (out of 10) reporting positive correlations between genotoxicity and polymorphisms in genes involved in DNA repair and metabolism. In summary, individuals with specific genotypes may exhibit varying levels of DNA damage. Regarding quality assessment, nine of the studies (9 out of 10) were classified as strong or moderate, indicating a significant need for improved methodological rigor in future research. Collectively, these findings support the idea that the genotoxic effects of various environmental mutagens in children are heavily influenced by genetic polymorphisms.
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Pinto et al. (2026) studied this question.
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