The evaluation of long-term effects of ionizing radiation through measurement of current sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates in radiology technologists, compared with previous SCE values

作者：Tug E^*; Kayhan G; Kan D; Guntekin S; Ergun M A

来源：Mutation Research: Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis , 2013, 757(1): 28-30.

DOI：10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.04.025

• Ionizing radiation
• Sister chromatid exchange
• Radiology technologists
• Occupational exposure

Ionizing radiation is a strong physical mutagen, causing breakage of phosphodiester bonds in DNA at any stage of the mitotic cycle. Analysis of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) has come into use as a sensitive DNA-damage indicator. We investigated the SCE rates in radiology technologists who are occupationally and chronically exposed to ionizing radiation. The study included 39 radiology technologists and 35 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. %26lt;br%26gt;There was a statistically significant difference in the SCE frequency between radiology technologists and controls (p %26lt; 0.0001). Additionally, previous SCE data of 10 radiology technologists were compared with current results regarding radiation exposure time. There was statistically significant difference between previous and current SCE values (p = 0.005). %26lt;br%26gt;The significant increase in the frequency of SCE in radiology technologists emphasizes the importance of radiation-protection procedures in order to minimize radiation exposure and avoid possible genotoxic effects. Comparison of two studies that measured SCE values of radiology technologists after 8 years also suggests that the genotoxic effect is reversible. %26lt;br%26gt;In conclusion, radiation is still an important mutagenic agent despite improvements in daily working hours and conditions.

• 出版日期2013-9-18