Comet assay and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus test for monitoring the genotoxic effects of X-ray radiation in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the genotoxic effects of X-ray radiation on human populations.


METHODS
The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) test were applied as biological dosimeters to detect DNA damage and abnormalities in human peripheral lymphocytes of subpopulation exposed to X-ray radiation. The subjects were divided into four groups: 12 radiation-patients; 13 intervention-radiation-therapy doctors; 32 radiation-diagnostians; 28 controls.


RESULTS
The average comet lengths of the four groups were 128.17 +/- 4.49 microns, 88.09 +/- 5.39 microns, 72.68 +/- 2.57 microns and 32.87 +/- 0.57 microns, respectively. The difference in average comet length between any two groups was highly significant (P < 0.01). The average micronucleated cell (MNC) rates (@1000) of the four groups were 12.33 +/- 0.85, 9.75 +/- 1.02, 8.48 +/- 0.66 and 3.18 +/- 0.36, respectively. The difference of MNC rates of Group 1 vs 3, 1 vs 4, 2 vs 4 and 3 vs 4 was highly significant (P < 0.01), and the difference of Group 1 vs 2 was significant (P < 0.05), but there was no difference of MNC rate in Group 2 vs 3 (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that both the comet assay and the CBMN test could be used to monitor populations exposed to X-ray radiation, but the comet assay seems to be more sensitive than the CBMN test.
He
J
J
Division of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Chen
W
W
Jin
L
L
Jin
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020552:Comet Assay; D004247:DNA / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D014965:X-Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004247:DNA