Application of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay on child population exposed to sinus X-ray. Issue 129 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Milić, Mirta; Gerić, Marko; Nodilo, Marijana; Ranogajec-Komor, Mária; Milković, Đurđica; Gajski, Goran
• Is Part Of: European journal of radiology. Issue 129(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Pediatric X-ray diagnostics -- Buccal micronucleus cytome assay -- RPL dosimetry -- Human biomonitoring; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiologie médicale -- Périodiques; Medical radiology; Periodicals; 616.075705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.109143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0720-048X

Abstract

Highlights: The effects of low-dose radiation are still controversial. Dosimetry and B-MN Cyt assay on paediatric patients before/after X-ray was done. Doses were the highest in the primary beam and significantly lower at other loci. More buccal cells with condensed chromatin was observed 14 d after the X-ray. Further studies are needed aiming at securing paediatric patients safety. Abstract: Purpose: Diagnostic X-ray examinations of paranasal sinuses use a low-dose ionizing radiation to achieve medically indicated purposes. The effects of low-dose radiation are still controversial, making it a highly prioritized field of research. As there is a need to evaluate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation and that children might be a more vulnerable population, we performed simultaneous physical dosimetry and buccal cell micronucleus cytome assay on pediatric patients before and after an X-ray examination of the sinuses. Methods: The study comprised 20 subjects aged 11.9 ± 3.6 years, and BMI < 25 kg/m 2 . Physical dosimetry was performed using radiophotoluminiscent (RPL) glass dosimeters placed on four positions on the head. The buccal cell micronucleus cytome assay was performed before and 14 ± 1 days after the X-ray exam, to monitor DNA damaging, replicative, cytostatic, and cell death effects. Results: The doses in the primary beam ranged 371–1106 μGy and were several fold higher than at the other positions on the head. As for biological changes, we did not observe any DNA damaging effects. However, a significant increase in cells with condensed chromatin was observed, indicating more cells undergoing early stages of apoptosis. We also observed inter-individual differences between the subjects. A correlation between the doses detected and biological effects was not observed. Conclusion: Although we did not observe significant increase in DNA damage, further studies are needed to increase the statistical power of the results and ensure patients' safety and optimal health care.