SCE analysis in human lymphocytes of a Spanish control population

SCE (sister-chromatid exchanges), HFC (high frequency cells) and PRI (proliferative rate index) were studied in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 154 healthy male volunteers, from Barcelona (Spain). SCE, HFC and PRI variability between and/or within individuals was estimated by means of a mixed linear model. This model allows a determination of the relationship between confounding factors (demographics, life style, work exposure and medical history) and the cytogenetic and cytokinetic parameters analyzed. The results obtained indicate the existence of an important intra-individual heterogeneity in SCE rates, as well as in HFC and PRI values. Although age did not seem to affect either the SCE frequency or the HFC percentage, it showed a significant positive association with the presence of cells with higher SCE frequencies. With respect to the confounding factors, only cigarette smoking increased the SCE rates and the HFC values. On the other hand, PRI mean showed significant differences dependent on age and was inversely correlated with alcohol consumption and X-ray exposure.