MOLECULAR BIOLOGY IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Introduction
The Occupational environments in which the workers work often impose danger to human health because of toxic chemicals which are emitted from these industries. There is an interest in improving the health conditions of these employees in these sectors of the economy which has caused great concern to the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization as well as Occupational Safety and Health expatriates in Uganda. Exposures to these toxic chemicals to human health require methods capable of analyzing toxic chemicals even in cases of low exposure levels. Molecular biology techniques have proved to be of help in analyzing toxic chemicals. These include: Evaluation of gene expression by measuring messenger Ribonucleic Acid, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Methods
Urine, blood, fluids and tissues from workers are used to assess toxic chemicals and its effects to human health. The techniques used for analyzing these samples include: Use of cell culture for evaluating chemical damage and cytotoxicity, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Evaluation of gene expression by measuring protein levels, ELISA techniques is used in form of kits to measure metabolites as a result of chemical exposure .But PCR and ELISA are commonly used.

Results
 Those employees who are exposed to tobacco smoke showed a higher concentration of cotinine in their sample.
The proteins involved in inflammatory response specifically lipoxygenase and leukotriene increase their expression with exposure to arsenic chemicals. Workers exposed to isocyanates show increase in cytokine levels.

Discussion
Molecular biological techniques are useful and powerful tool in Occupational medicine and chemical exposure studies. There is no research in Occupational medicine in Uganda hence need for donor support. There is a close relationship between the disease and the type of work the employee is doing. There is need to develop a policy in monitoring Occupational Health services in the country