Buccal epithelial cell micronuclei: sensitive, non-invasive biomarkers of occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation

Publication date: Available online 19 December 2018Source: Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental MutagenesisAuthor(s): Laura Aguiar Torres, Armindo dos Santos Rodrigues, Diana Linhares, Ricardo Camarinho, Zélia Maria Nunes Páscoa Soares Rego, Patrícia Ventura GarciaAbstractWe have evaluated buccal epithelial cell micronucleus formation as a biomarker of genotoxic damage following occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from 42 occupationally exposed medical personnel and 39 non-exposed individuals (reference group). Each individual in the exposed group was routinely monitored with a personal radiation badge. The frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) was significantly higher in the exposed group (5.26 vs. 1.33 MNC/2000 cells) and correlated strongly with accumulated radiation dose (Annual Deep Dose, mSv). Occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation was associated with an 80% relative increase in the frequency of MNC (MRR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.8), suggesting that such exposures cause DNA damage. This non-invasive biomonitoring method should be generally applicable to studies of workers who are exposed occupationally to low doses of IR.
Source: Mutation Research Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research