Impact of occupational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation versus high dose exposure during radiotherapy on met Hb levels

Abstract

Background: Ionizing radiation affects human health as it breaks the chemical bonds of the molecules and damages DNA through the manufacturing of free radicals, resulting in apoptosis of proliferative cells/ damage to erythrocytes which may influence the quality of RBC concentrates. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation versus high dose exposure during radiotherapy on met Hb levels. 150 individuals were included divided into two groups; group I, includes 50 radiation workers (RWs) compared to 25 healthy volunteers' as control group for radiation workers who never exposed to radiation in their work. Group II includes 50 breast cancer patients who were treated with post-operative radiotherapy compared to 25 matched age and sex healthy female volunteers' as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. Methemoglobin was assayed by ELISA. Significant decrease in MCV and serum ferritin was observed among RWs in comparison to the control group. Methemoglobin levels and Reticulocyte % were significantly higher in RWs in comparison to the BCPs. Mean values of WBCs, HB and RBCs were significantly lower in BCPs when compared to RWs, while there was insignificant difference in the mean values of Ht, MCV, MCH and RDW. It is concluded that serum methemoglobin levels and Reticulocyte % can be used as biological markers for early assessment of the absorbed dose in radiation workers.

Assessment of thyroid gland hormones and ultrasonographic abnormalities in medical staff occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

“…Moreover, Occupational exposure to IR alters circulating redox and inflammatory biomarkers [ 6 ]. Recently, significant increase in methemoglobin levels and significant decrease in MCV and ferritin levels were found among radiation-exposed workers [ 7 ].…”