title: Chromosomal aberrations and sickness rates in Chernobyl clean-up workers in the years following the accident.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to reveal a possible correlation between chromosomal aberrations and the health status of Chernobyl clean-up workers who suffered from a low dose of ionizing radiation. Unstable chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated in 491 Chernobyl clean-up workers. Information about lifestyle factors (all persons) and medical history (212 persons) was collected. Connections between the rate of chromosomal aberrations and some types of diseases were found. It was also found that Chernobyl clean-up workers with oncological diseases and hypertension had increased rates of chromosomal aberrations. Positive correlations between the grade of hypertension and the level of chromosomal aberrations (r = 0.20, p < 0.01) was revealed. Further investigations need to be carried out in order to understand the mechanisms of this connection.
authors.affiliation: The Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine (NRCERM) EMERCOM of Russia, ul. Akademika Lebedeva 4/2 194044 St. Petersburg, Russia.
authors.forename: Sergey S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Alexanin
authors.forename: Natalia M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Slozina
authors.forename: Elizaveta G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Neronova
authors.forename: Natalia V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Makarova
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D047852:Chernobyl Nuclear Accident; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D025063:Chromosome Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003666:Decontamination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014455:Ukraine / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult