Evaluation of the genotoxic effects of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on nuclear medicine workers.
BACKGROUND
Nuclear medicine workers are occupationally exposed to chronic ionizing radiation. It is known that ionizing radiation may have damaging effects on chromosomes. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic effects of ionizing radiation on nuclear medicine workers. We used two different indicators of genotoxicity methods: sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN).


METHODS
The present research was carried out using 21 nuclear medicine workers (11 females and 10 males) during two periods: during normal working conditions and after a 1-month vacation. The radiation dose varied from 1.20 to 48.56 mSv, which accumulated during the occupational exposure time between two vacations. Peripheral blood samples were taken from each subject for two distinct lymphocyte cultures (SCE and MN) in each period.


RESULTS
In nearly all subjects, SCE values increased significantly during radiation exposure compared to the postvacation period (P<.05). Similarly, MN frequencies in most of the subjects increased significantly during radiation exposure compared to the postvacation period (P<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that both SCE and MN frequencies in most of the subjects were significantly higher during exposure to ionizing radiation than after a 1-month vacation period. However, this genotoxic effect was reversible in most of the subjects.
Sahin
Ali
A
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey. alibabam2001@yahoo.com
Tatar
Abdulgani
A
Oztas
Sitki
S
Seven
Bedri
B
Varoglu
Erhan
E
Yesilyurt
Ahmet
A
Ayan
Arif Kursad
AK
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009683:Nuclear Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange / Q000528:radiation effects; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce