Abstract:Objective:To investigate whether any of the five single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) of PON2 gene are associated with the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness in Chinese Han population. Methods:A case-control study was conducted:188 cases whose average hearing threshold were no less than 40 dB in high frequency,and 200 controls in the same working position as the cases were matched in age,gender,the intensity and time of exposure to noise. Information on these subjects was gathered by questionnaire which was administered through face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. Venous blood was gathered from all the subjects to extract out DNA which were genotyped by using the TaqMan-based allelic discrimination system. Results:rs7493(CG + GG) genotype,rs12026(CG + GG) genotype,rs7785846(CT + TT) genotype and rs7786401(GT + TT) genotype were the risk factors for occupational noise-induced deafness,adjusted OR(95%CI) were 3.54(2.18~5.75),3.38(2.08~5.49),3.30 (2.03~5.37) and 3.44 (2.11~5.62),respectively. When combined with noise exposure levels,the risk became much higher (OR increased). Conclusion:rs7493(CG + GG) genotype,rs12026(CG + GG) genotype,rs7785846(CT + TT) genotype and rs7786401(GT + TT) genotype of PON2 gene may be the risk factors for occupational noise-induced deafness in Chinese Han population. They may have interactions with the exposure level.