Association of microsatellite instability and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder in isocyanate-Exposed population of Bhopal

CONTEXT: Survivors of the Bhopal gas disaster still suffer from various respiratory ailments. We examined the effects of exposures among a cross-section of current residents suffering from COPD by ISSR-PCR. AIMS: Molecular screening of the gas-affected population of Bhopal with COPD for microsatellite instability due to exposure of MIC. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The isocyanate-exposed population of Bhopal city suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inter-(SSR) analysis was used to characterize microsatellite instability in 52 MIC victims of Bhopal, suffering from COPD using (CA)(8)RG and (CA)(8)R[Y-Q] primer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Association analyses were performed using regression analysis. RESULTS: The study on the MIC-affected population in Bhopal showed weak association between microsatellite instability and age (r = + 0.37); exposure distance from site (r = −0.44); and smoking status(r = + 0.12); while regression analysis of the above parameters displayed supporting evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of smoking coupled with aging and poor living habits threatens, to further increase COPD incidences among this population, highlighting the need for enhanced screening efforts.