Flow cytometry for cell cycle parameters in healthcare workers potentially exposed to ionizing radiation

There is much controversy about the effects of chronic low dose exposure to ionizing radiation and the possible consequences particularly in occupational exposures.

This study aims at the assessment of cell cycle in healthcare workers (HCWs) occupationally exposed to radiation. Subjects and Methods. Participants in the study included 106 HCWs, of them 79 were potentially exposed to ionizing radiation during their routine work, while the other 27 were non-exposed subjects taken as controls. Exposure was monitored by thermo-luminescent dosimeters. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated, fixed and stained with propidium iodide followed by analysis via flow cytometry for DNA content as a marker of cell cycle and apoptosis pattern.

Compared to controls, exposed subjects showed a significant higher mean percentage of G2/M cell (4.01+/-4.19 vs. 1.88+/-3.02, p<0.05) and higher mean percentage of coefficient of variation (CV) (4.41+/-1.37 vs. 3.81+/-1.07, p<0.05). Furthermore, HCWs with older age, longer duration of exposure and higher cumulative radiation dose had significant higher G2/M % and CV% with lower G0/G1 % than other workers. Significant correlation was found between cumulative dose of radiations and the mean percentage of cells in the phases of G0/G1 and G2/M as well as their mean CV% (p<0.05).

Healthcare workers exposed to radiation had cellular changes that could be detected by flow cytometry that probably can be used as a follow up marker for potential major harmful effects.