title: Quantification of gamma-H2AX foci in human lymphocytes: a method for biological dosimetry after ionizing radiation exposure.
abstract: Recent studies have suggested that visualization of gamma-H2AX nuclear foci can be used to estimate exposure to very low doses of ionizing radiation. Although this approach is widely used for various purposes, its suitability for individual human biodosimetry has not yet been assessed. We therefore conducted such an assessment with the help of available software for observing and automatically scoring gamma-H2AX foci. The presence of gamma-H2AX foci was evaluated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed ex vivo to gamma rays in a dose range of 0.02 to 2 Gy. We analyzed the response of gamma-H2AX to ionizing radiation in relation to dose, time after exposure, and individual variability. We constructed dose-effect calibration curves at 0.5, 8 and 16 h after exposure and evaluated the threshold of detection of the technique. The results show the promise of automatic gamma-H2AX scoring for a reliable assessment of radiation doses in a dose range of 0.6 Gy to 2 Gy up to 16 h after exposure. This gamma-H2AX-based assay may be useful for biodosimetry, especially for triage to distinguish promptly among individuals the ones who have received negligible doses from those with significantly exposures who are in need of immediate medical attention. However, additional in vivo experiments are needed for validation.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France. srochlefevre@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roch-Lefèvre
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mandina
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Voisin
authors.forename: Gruel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaëtan
authors.forename: Jorge Ernesto Gonzàlez
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mesa
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valente
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bonnesoeur
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Voisin
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000528:radiation effects; D003462:Cuba; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005602:France; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006657:Histones / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
chemical_list: C468783:H2AX protein, human; D006657:Histones