engleski

Comet assay as reasonably reliable cancer predictor in human biomonitoring

A number of evidence supports the concept that DNA is the crucial target of most carcinogens and that mutation in tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes may lead to cancer. Comet assay is one of the standard methods for assessing genome damage with variety applications in fundamental research in DNA damage and repair as well as in population biomonitoring. DNA damage evaluated by comet assay is utilized as a biomarker of exposure to mutagens and carcinogens and can serve as reasonably reliable cancer predictor in epidemiology. The aim of the present study was the assessment and quantification of the level of DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of general and exposed population to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The comet assay analysis was performed on the four study groups ; those that had been exposed to ionizing radiation, microwave radiation and ultrasound occupationally or in diagnostic purposes, whereas unexposed subjects were selected as controls. Results gained, indicate that comet assay revealed heterogenecity in the level of DNA breakage induced in human lymphocytes exposed to radiation. According to the results obtained, the occupational or diagnostic exposure to radiation significantly affected the level of DNA damage (for all exposed groups vs. corresponding controls, P<0.05). Increased comet values measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes indicated highly significant level of primary DNA damage after exposure to radiation. In this context, the application of comet assay could also be extended to the possible diagnostic use in cancer detection in paediatric, adult and/or geriatric populations.

Comet assay; human lymphocytes; radiation; exposed populations

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