Radiation Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Radiology.
Shortly after the discovery of X-rays, their damaging effect on biological tissues was observed. The determination of radiation exposure in diagnostic and interventional radiology is usually based on physical measurements or mathematical algorithms with standardized dose simulations. γ-H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy is a reliable and sensitive method for the quantification of radiation induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in blood lymphocytes. The detectable amount of these DNA damages correlates well with the dose received. However, the biological radiation damage depends not only on dose but also on other individual factors like radiation sensitivity and DNA repair capacity. Iodinated contrast agents can enhance the x-ray induced DNA damage level. After their induction DSB are quickly repaired. A protective effect of antioxidants has been postulated in experimental studies. This review explains the prinicple of the γ-H2AX technique and provides an overview on studies evaluating DSB in radiologic examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiologic examinations including CT and angiography induce DNA double-strand breaks. Even after mammography a slight but significant increase is detectable in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The number of radiation induced double-strand breaks correlates well with the radiation dose. Individual factors including radiation sensitivity, DNA repair capacity and the application of iodinated contrast media has an influence on the DNA damage level.
Department of Radiology, Dornbirn Hospital, Austria.
M A
MA
Kuefner
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
M
M
Brand
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
C
C
Engert
Radiologis, Oberasbach, Germany.
S A
SA
Schwab
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
M
M
Uder
D000792:Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects; D004247:DNA / Q000528:radiation effects*; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D011859:Radiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects
C468783:H2AX protein, human; D006657:Histones; D004247:DNA