Evaluation of DNA Damage in Lymphocytes of Cardiologists Exposed to Radiation During Cardiac Catheterization by the COMET ASSAY

Abstract

SUMMARYThis study was designed to evaluate the possible in vivo induction of DNA damage by exposure to radiation in cardiologists. The alkaline comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis, SCGE), which appears to be a promising tool with which to estimate DNA damage at the single cell level, has been used. The assay was carried out on 30 cardiologists currently employed in a busy cardiac service and 30 healthy unexposed controls. Venous blood samples were obtained from the exposed and control subjects and SCGE was examined in 100 cells graded as undamaged, intermediate, and tailed nuclei. The number of undamaged nuclei was almost the same in control and exposed subjects. The extent of DNA migration (SCGE assay) did not distinguish between the samples in either the nonsmoker exposed or nonsmoker control subjects, which leads one to wonder whether a difference in DNA damage really exists. Previous studies reported increased DNA damage in blood lymphocytes of smokers. In our study, the percentage of damaged cells increased either with the frequency of smoking or exposure to radiation. A statistically significant difference was observed both in smokers and exposed subjects.In conclusion, the elevated grade of DNA damage in cardiologists exposed to radiation indicates a possible genotoxic hazard, therefore, careful measures and full cooperation between cardiologists and radiologists should be undertaken to reduce the exposure to radiation. (Jpn Heart J 2004; 45: 845-853)

The effect of smoking on DNA effects in the comet assay: a meta-analysis

“…From the 56 studies remaining, 19 further studies failed these conditions. Fourteen of the latter studies only reported the result of a statistical test (P-value) for appropriate group comparison (122)(123)(124)(125)(126)(127)(128)(129)(130)(131)(132)(133)(134)(135). These studies are summarized in a separate table (Table I) and will be considered in the discussion.…”

Low-dose environmental radiation, DNA damage, and cancer: The possible contribution of psychological factors

“…We present here a sample of studies attempting to represent both the types of radiation-exposed occupations and different countries where this issue has been tested. Boyaci et al (2004) found a higher percentage of damaged cells (using the comet method) in cardiologists exposed to radiation of catheterization compared to controls. Goloni-Bertollo, Tajara, Manzato, and Varella-Garcia (1992) found a higher rate of sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in nurses handling antineoplastic agents compared to nurses not exposed to such agents and to age-and sex-matched controls.…”

Assessment of DNA Damage After Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device Implantation or Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (The RADAR Study)

“…Some studies have reported elevated DNA damage among interventional cardiologists exposed to prolonged and cumulative radiation exposure, suggesting the need for adequate measures to protect and prevent health care personnel who work in areas of prolonged radiation exposure [24] . Another study reported significant DNA damage as measured by increase in comet tail length after a work day of occupational exposure among nuclear medicine and radiology workers [11] .…”