The Oxidative Stress Parameters as Useful Tools in Evaluating the DNA Damage and Changes in the Complete Blood Count in Hospital Workers Exposed to Low Doses of Antineoplastic Drugs and Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Hospital workers at the Oncology Department are occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs (ANTNP) or low doses of ionizing radiation (Irrad). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the level of DNA damage, the oxidative stress parameters and complete blood count (CBC) of hospital workers in order to analyze the negative health effects of ANTNP and low dose Irrad. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) and proliferation index (PI) were analyzed by cytokinesis-block test. The oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated were the level of lipid peroxidation in plasma and catalase activity (CAT) in erythrocytes. A group of 86 hospital workers (35 exposed to ANTPN and 51 to Irrad) had increased MN frequency, CAT activity and level of lipid peroxidation compared to the control group, which consisted of 24 volunteers. The hemoglobin level was lower in the ANTNP group compared to thecontrol group, while a significant difference in RBC was recorded between thecontrol and Irrad groups, and in platelet count betweentheIrrad and ANTNP group. The results showed increased DNA damage, oxidative stress parameters, as well as impairment on complete blood count in hospital workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and low-dose ionizing radiation. As this research has shown the importance of oxidative stress, we suggest that in addition to routine methods in periodic medical evaluation, the possibility of applying oxidative stress parameters is considered. Moreover, hospital workers exposed to ANTNP and Irrad in the workplace should undergo not only a more complete health prevention procedure but also have a more appropriate health promotion.

Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Occupational Settings: A Systematic Review of Biological Monitoring Data

“…This issue needs a careful assessment as recent data reported no evidence of differences in the proportion of people with positive urine tests for exposure between those employing closed-system drug-transfer devices and safe handling of ADs and the control groups adopting only safe handling procedures for CPA alone; CPA and IP; or CPA, IP and gemcitabine [ 68 ]. Moreover, information on the possible co-exposure to other chemical or physical carcinogenic factors, including ionizing radiations, may also be derived from risk assessment analyses and may be helpful to understand possible early biological alterations in exposed workers, and to adopt suitable health surveillance and health promotion plans [ 69 ].…”

The effect of respiratory capacity for dose sparing in left-sided breast cancer irradiation with active breathing coordinator technique

“…Radiation damage to these functional units is more likely to lead to functional impairment ( 28 ). The effects may even be evaluated on a molecular level with the help of micronucleus testing ( 29 ).…”

Amelioration of Radiation-Induced Cell Death in Neuro2a Cells by Neutralizing Oxidative Stress and Reducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction Using N-Acetyl-L-Tryptophan

“…Therefore, radiation doses of more than 16 Gy delivered as a single fraction, 24 Gy given in three fractions, and more than 27.5 Gy given in five fractions has been advised in clinical practice to enhance local cavity management, particularly in patients with radioresistant tumors [6]. Professional employees occupational exposed to radiation in radiodiagnostic and radiotherapy centers are at risk (due to increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and defect in blood count), as shown in previous works [7,8]. To manage radiation toxicity, radiobiologists are endeavouring to produce non-toxic radioprotectors capable of preventing acute radiation syndrome (ARS) caused by radiation exposure.…”