Evaluation of JAK2 (V617F) Mutation in Iranian Veterans with Delayed Complications of Sulphur Mustard Poisoning

Background: Sulfur mustard was the most widely applied chemical warfare agent by the Iraqi army in Iran–Iraq war (1983-1988). Considering the role of sulfur mustard toxicity in hematopoietic neoplasms and also new role of JAK2 mutation in these neoplasms, we assessed this mutation and delayed hematologic complications in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard. Methods: This case control study was performed in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran in collaboration with Janbasan Foundation of Khorasan Razavi, Iran in 2012. The case group consists of 42 patients who exposed to sulfur mustard about 30 yr ago and the control group includes 30 healthy persons. For all subjects complete blood counts and ARMSpolymerase chain reaction for JAK2 (V617F) mutation was carried out. Data were analyzed by statistical software using independent sample t-testand Mann- Whitney U test. Results: JAK2 (V617F) mutation was detected, neither in the sulfur mustardveterans nor in the control group.  Moreover no significant difference was detected in hematologic parameters between the two groups. Conclusion: Despite sulfur mustard can increase risk of tumor genesis especially hematologic neoplasms but this is probablyas result of other genetic mechanism apart from JAK2 mutation. Considering the health and importance of preventive measure for the sulfur mustard victims, we suggest other genetic aspects of tumor genesis to be assessed in these patients.