Stable and unstable chromosome aberrations measured after occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and ultrasound.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate chromosome aberration and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assays as a method to estimate of health risk, we monitored 9 male subjects occupationally exposed to low doses of both ionizing radiation and ultrasound during a period of over 3 years.


METHODS
Sampling was performed at 6-month intervals during a three-year period. First we used conventional chromosomal aberrations analysis. When the aberration frequency for a particular subject reached the background, we measured translocations in the final sample, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chromosome painting probes for chromosomes 1, 2, and 4 were used simultaneously.


RESULTS
Dicentric and ring chromosomes were eliminated within a year. Translocations persisted and deviated from control values in all examinees. Translocations were detected long after unstable aberrations decreased to the background level.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluorescence in situ hybridization-based translocation detection was a reliable method for monitoring chronic occupational clastogen exposure. Chromosome aberration assay correlated with translocation frequency. Stable chromosomal aberrations reflected cumulative genome damage during job exposure.
Fucić
Aleksandra
A
Division for Mutagenesis, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia. afucic@imi.hr
Zeljezić
Davor
D
Kasuba
Vilena
V
Kopjar
Nevenka
N
Rozgaj
Ruzica
R
Lasan
Ruzica
R
Mijić
August
A
Hitrec
Vlasta
V
Lucas
Joe Nathan
JN
D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes