engleski

The Usefulness of Cytogenetic Biomarkers in Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Microwave Radiation

Cytogenetic biomarkers were applied and compared to investigate the genome damage in radar-facility workers daily exposed to microwave radiation and unexposed control subjects. The alkaline comet assay was used to evaluate primary DNA damage, while chromatid breakage assay (bleomycin sensitivity test) and micronucleus test were used to assess chromosomal senitivity and damage. Occupational exposure to microwave radiation correlated with an increase of genome damage in somatic cells. The overall levels of genome damage in exposed subjects were increased compared to control and showed interindividual variations. The extent of DNA migration was significantly increased in exposed subjects compared to control. After short exposure of cultured lymphocytes to bleomycin, cells of subjects occupationally exposed to microwave radiation responded with high numbers of chromatid breaks. The incidence and distribution of micronuclei in exposed subjects were also changed compared to control. Based on the results obtained, cytogentic biomarkers indicate that microwave radiation represents a potential DNA-damaging hazard. It was also confirmed that highly specific cytogenetic assays employed in the present study are hepful to identify occupationally exposed subjects with inborn genetic susceptibility and point out to the need of implementation of preventive measures in decreasing of risk at individual level.

radar-facility workers; occupational exposure; comet assay; chromatid breakage assay; micronucleus test

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