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Should gaps be included in chromosomal aberration analysis? Evidence based on the comet assay
César Paz-y-Miño1, María Verónica Dávalos, María Eugenia Sánchez
1Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Citogenética Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, P.O. Box 17-1-2184, Quito, Ecuador. cpazymino@puceuio.puce.edu.ec
Abstract:
This study evaluated DNA damage in human lymphocytes due to occupational exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation using two assays: the comet assay and chromosomal aberration (CA) analysis including and excluding gaps. The results obtained reveal a higher correlation between both methods when chromatid and chromosome gaps were included in the correlation analysis (r=0.78 versus r=0.50). This increased correlation support the hypothesis that the gaps constitute a type of chromosome aberration, and suggest that these events should be scored in this type of analysis.