title: DNA single-strand breaks in peripheral lymphocytes of clinical personnel with occupational exposure to volatile inhalational anesthetics.
abstract: The rates of DNA single-strand breaks in peripheral lymphocytes of 41 persons administering anesthesia daily and 44 control persons were determined by nucleoid sedimentation. There is a significantly higher rate of DNA single-strand breaks in nonsmoking anesthesia persons than in nonsmoking control persons (P < 0.01). Smoking anesthesia persons and smoking control persons presented increased rates of DNA single-strand breaks. Nonsmoking nurse anesthetists showed an insignificantly higher rate of damage than nonsmoking anesthesiologists. DNA single-strand breaks indicate damage before the start of DNA repair. Therefore, detected DNA single-strand breaks may be reversible. As not every DNA repair is perfect, increased rates of DNA single-strand breaks may possibly lead to irreversible DNA damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Chemistry, Duesbergweg, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reitz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Coen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lanz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004249:DNA Damage; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009872:Operating Room Technicians; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded