Radiopharmaceuticals are unique medicinal formulations containing radioisotopes which are used in major clinical areas for diagnosis and/or therapy. The aim of this study was to assess occupationally induced DNA damage in workers of a radiopharmaceutical facility who are at risk of exposure to low levels of external ionizing radiation and internal contamination. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay used as an important biological indicator of ionizing radiation exposure in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 35 exposed workers compared with 35 controls matched for gender, age and smoking habits. Occupational dosimetry records were collected over the last year (ranged from 1.05 to 30.73 mSv) and last 5 years exposure (ranged from 2.56 to 70.24 mSv). The results showed a 2.5 fold increase in the chromosomal damage leading to micronucleated lymphocytes in the workers of the radiopharmaceutical facility compared to the controls (25.82±8.67 vs. 10.52±6.83 micronuclei per 1000 binucleated cells, p < 0.0005). The nuclear division index as a parameter of cytostasis, in the workers was signifi cantly lower than that in the controls. The mean frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges was higher in the radiation workers compared to the controls without statistical signifi cant difference (p > 0.05). Taking all the confounding factors into account, no obvious trend of increased micronuclei as a function of either duration of employment, exposed dose, smoking or age was observed. The present study showed that occupationally exposed individuals have higher frequencies of DNA damage, despite the very low levels of ionizing radiation exposure.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.