Chromosomal aberrations and oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine as biomarkers of radiotoxicity in radiation workers

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: There are evidences of association between occupational radiation exposure, cytogenetic alterations and the increase in cancer rates. It is known that the probability of carcinogenesis is greater in populations exposed to radiation, since ionizing radiation can raise the frequency of chromosomal aberration and spontaneous mutations.Objective: Our purpose was to assess the role of chromosomal aberrations and oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as biomarkers of radiation injury in individuals occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation.Subjects: and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 radiation workers and 30 healthy volunteers age and sex matched as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes were assayed by conventional cytogenetic technique and serum levels of 8-OHdG was measured by enzyme linked immunossorbent assay (ELISA).Results: The incidence of all types of chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in all exposed groups than in controls with the highest rate of chromosomal aberrations in the industrial radiographers. Serum 8-OHdG in all radiation workers was significantly higher than in control group. There was a significant higher values among industrial radiographers compared to diagnostic radiologists or radiotherapists. Significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (M.C.V) was found among radiation workers versus the controls reflecting erythrocyte microcytosis.Conclusions: Scoring of chromosome aberrations such as breaks, fragments and dicentrics is a reliable method to detect previous exposure to ionizing radiation. This type of monitoring may be used as a biological dosimeter instead of physical dosimetry.8-OHdG is a useful oxidative DNA marker among radiation workers and those exposed to environmental carcinogens.

Impact of occupational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation versus high dose exposure during radiotherapy on met Hb levels

“…WBCs were significantly lower in BCPs as high dose irradiation severely lowers lymphocytes by their effect on bone marrow cellularity. In agreement with our findings, El-Benhawy et al [23] and Davoudi et al [24] showed a significant reduction in WBCs among radiation field workers, especially with more than 5 years' experience. This makes them more vulnerable to acquire infection.…”

Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters

“…Previous studies revealed an increase of the concentration of 8-OHdG in urine of radiation exposed workers compared to controls [33]. El-Benhawy et al, found that, serum 8-OHdG in radiation exposed workers was significantly higher compared to control group [34]. These discrepancies might be due, in part, to the source and dose of radiation, as well as, to different target groups’ studies and sample collection.…”

Telomere fragility in radiology workers occupationally exposed to low doses of ionising radiation

“…LPP levels also significantly correlated with 8-oxo-dG (r=0.644, p<0.01). El-Benhawy et al ( 50 ) claim to be the first to have established a correlation between 8-oxo-dG and chromosome aberrations in persons occupationally exposed to ionising radiation, but they did not look into telomere fragility. We therefore believe that our study contributes to the current debate about telomere response to occupational radiation exposure and associated health risks by arguing in favour of telomere fragility and lipid peroxidation products as potentially reliable biomarkers of increased health risk in occupations exposed to ionising radiations, but more studies are needed to corroborate our findings.…”