Cytogenetic abnormalities in lymphocytes evaluated with micronucleus assay in medical personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of ionizing radiation on medical personnel using the micronucleus assay and to determine the human health risk. Paired Student?s t-test shows significant statistical difference between the total number of binucleated (BN) cells with micronuclei within the two groups (exposed and control) (t=6,812; p<0,05). The mean of MN frequencies in the exposed group increased in comparison with the mean of MN frequencies in the control group. The formation of small and large micronuclei indicates that medical personnel who are exposed on radiation in their work place, have a chromosomal instability and a risk of cancer.

Carbamates: A study on genotoxic, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects induced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells

“…In agreement with the positive genotoxic effects here observed, we found previously that zineb and Azzurro Ò induced chromosome aberrations, SCEs (Soloneski et al, 2001), and MNs in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro (Soloneski et al, 2002a). In addition, structural chromosomal aberrations in CHO cells (Enninga, 1986) and MNs in human lymphocytes of agricultural workers in vivo (Pilinskaia, 1974) were also reported after zineb exposure. It has been reported previously by us that zineb most probably induces DNA damage via free radical reactions and production of reactive oxygen species (Soloneski et al, 2003b).…”

“…Similar responses were obtained in in vivo studies. Positive results were reported for lymphocytes from workers occupationally exposed to zineb, in which an increased frequency of structural chromosome aberrations was observed (Pilinskaia, 1974). Finally, in contrast to these studies, it was reported that zineb did not induce MNs in bone marrow cells of Wistar male rats after oral administration (Huntingdon Research Centre, 1985).…”

Genotoxicity test methods - a tool for DNA and chromosome damage biomonitoring

“…Micronuclei are generated due to exposure to genotoxic agents, especially IR [6,23]. Increased formation of small and large micronuclei, as an indicator of chromosomal instability, has been found in medical workers who are professionally exposed to IR [24].…”