mFISH analysis of chromosome aberrations in workers occupationally exposed to mixed radiation

Introduction: Environmental exposure to harmful chemicals may produce severe consequences. Aim: The aim of the authors was to perform geno- and immune-toxicological monitoring in female employees occupationally exposed to cytostatic agents in hospitals and compare the findings to those obtained from controls. Method: Altogether 642 women working in hospital who were occupationally exposed to cytostatic drugs and 262 control women participated in the study. Frequency of chromosome aberrations, immune phenotype and activation of lymphocytes, and the production of reactive oxygen-species in neutrophil granulocytes were determined. Results: Markedly higher number (n=39) of thyroid alterations was observed among exposed subjects as compared to controls (n=3). In persons with abnormal thyroid functions, the frequency of chromosome aberrations (3.69%) was significantly higher (3.69%) than in exposed subjects without thyroid alterations (2.43%) and in controls (1.70% and 1.60% in control subjects with and without thyroid alterations, respectively). Significantly increased ratio of helper T lymphocytes and decreased ratio of cytotoxic T cells and transferrin-receptor (CD71) expressing B cells were observed in exposed subjects having abnormal thyroid functions as compared to controls. In addition, the ratio of B cells, CD71 expressing T cells and production of reactive oxygen-intermediates was significantly decreased in exposed subjects with thyroid alterations in comparison to exposed subjects without thyroid alterations. Conclusions: The results indicate increased geno- and immune-toxic effects among exposed subjects having thyroid alterations. Further data are needed to clearly establish the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of this finding. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(2), 60–66.

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Chromosome Aberrations in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Croatian Hospital Staff Occupationally Exposed to Low Levels of Ionising Radiation

Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology ◽

10.2478/10004-1254-59-2008-1909 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. 251-259 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Vilena Kašuba ◽

Ružica Rozgaj ◽

Anamarija Jazbec

Keyword(s):

Peripheral Blood ◽

Chromosome Aberrations ◽

Direct Detection ◽

Hospital Staff ◽

Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽

Ionising Radiation ◽

Control Group ◽

Blood Lymphocytes ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Low Levels

Chromosome Aberrations in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Croatian Hospital Staff Occupationally Exposed to Low Levels of Ionising RadiationMedical staff is an occupational group exposed to different agents suspected to induce genetic damage. Among them ionising radiation is the most studied. Cytogenetic analysis of human chromosomes in peripheral lymphocytes allows direct detection of mutation in somatic cells. This study investigated the cytogenetic effects of low-level ionising x-radiation in 48-hour peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures sampled from 765 hospital staff occupationally exposed to several agents known or suspected to induce chromosome damage and compared them with 200 control subjects. The exposed subjects were divided in eight (8) groups according to their specialities and job titles. The exposed groups manifested an increase in all types of chromosome aberrations. Acentric fragments were the most frequent chromosome-type aberration. Dicentric chromosomes were statistically significant only in urologists/gynaecologists. Age and smoking significantly influenced the incidence of dicentrics in the exposed groups. The frequency of ring chromosomes was low in all exposed groups (range: 0-2), and none were found in the control group. These findings indicate the importance of periodic medical checkups of hospital staff occupationally exposed to low doses of ionising radiation. The purpose is to create an individual cytogenetic register, where changes could evidence individual risks.

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