engleski

Analysis of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatide exchange in risk assessment of occupationally exposure to ultrasound

The possibility of induction of biological effects by application of ultrasound at medically relevant powers and intensities is of considerable interest and importance. Reports about potentially harmful effects of diagnostic ultrasound on human chromosomes are contradictory. In order to monitor cytogenetic damage in lymphocytes two widely used cytogenetic endpoints: chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were employed. Samples of peripheral blood were taken from medical personnel working with ultrasound equipment with transducers frequencies 2.5 - 7.5 MHz (absolute max. ultrasonic power 0.8-4.9 mW/cm2, absolute max. spatial peak-pulse average intensity 60-110 W/cm2, absolute max. spatial peak-temporal average intensity 1.9-20 mW/cm2) and control subjects. For the analysis of CA and SCE analysis lymphocyte cultures were harvested at 48 h, respectively 72 h. The percentage of cells with CA in the group occupationally exposed to ultrasound was 3.6% compared with 0.8% in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The types of the predominantly detected CA were chromatid and chromosome breaks. The results of SCE analysis in some exposed subjects showed an increase in number and range of exchanges compared to the control. Although our results indicate cytogenetic effects of ultrasound on human lymphocytes, further investigations are necessary to clarify effects of ultrasound exposure on health risks, especially on DNA damages.

occupational exposure; ultrasound; chromosome aberrations; sister chromatid exchanges

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