XRCC1 gene variants and possible links with chromosome aberrations and micronucleus in active and passive smokers

Highlights ► The present investigation was conducted to analyze the genotoxic effects of tobacco on active and passive smokers. ► Three types of genetic test methods were employed including chromosome, micronucleus and XRCC1 arg399gln polymorphism. ► A high level of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were observed in active and passive smokers of group III individuals who are exposed to cigarette smoke for more than 41 to 50 years. ► An interesting result was observed that the genotype gln/gln of gene XRCC1 influenced the genotoxic damages in both active and passive smokers. ► This results concludes that both active and passive smoke are at risk of cigarette smoke, moreover the XRCC1 genotype gln/gln specifically involved in influencing the genotoxic effects of tobacco products.