Flow cytometry-assisted quantification of γH2AX expression has potential as a rapid high-throughput biodosimetry tool.
Large-scale radiological events require immediate and accurate estimates of doses received by victims, and possibly the first responders, to assist in treatment decisions. Although there are numerous efforts worldwide to develop biodosimetric tools to adequately handle triage needs during radiological incidents, such endeavours do not seem to actively involve sub-Saharan Africa which currently has a significant level of nuclear-related activity. To initiate a similar interest in Africa, ex vivo radiation-induced γH2AX expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes from fourteen healthy donors was assessed using flow cytometry. While the technique shows potential for use as a rapid high-throughput biodosimetric tool for radiation absorbed doses up to 5 Gy, significant inter-individual differences in γH2AX expression emerged. Also, female donors exhibited higher levels of γH2AX expression than their male counterparts. To address these shortcomings, gender-based in-house dose-response curves for γH2AX induction in lymphocytes 2, 4, and 6 h after X-ray irradiation are proposed for the South African population. The obtained results show that γH2AX is a good candidate biomarker for biodosimetry, but might need some refinement and validation through further studies involving a larger cohort of donors.
Division of Radiobiology, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.|Applied Radiation Biology Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Daniel G
DG
Achel
Division of Radiobiology, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.
Antonio M
AM
Serafin
Division of Radiobiology, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa. jakudugu@sun.ac.za.
John M
JM
Akudugu
D000328:Adult; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D014965:X-Rays; D055815:Young Adult
C468783:H2AX protein, human; D006657:Histones
Biodosimetry; Flow cytometry; Peripheral blood lymphocytes; γH2AX