Cytogenetic analysis in lymphocytes from workers occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation

The aim of the present study was to perform a cytogenetic analysis in peripheral lymphocytes of 36 individuals occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation, and compare the results with 36 controls, using the chromosomal aberrations test (CA), sensitivity to bleomycin and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay (MN). The frequencies of CA/100 cells observed for the exposed workers were not significantly higher than in controls (P > 0.05). The mean break/cell (b/c) for the controls and exposed workers was 0.59 ± 0.39 and 0.57 ± 0.29, respectively (P > 0.01). The MN frequencies were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in exposed workers (6.13 ± 3.18) in comparison with controls (5.11 ± 3.85). The mean MN was also statistically higher in the non-smoker exposed when compared with non-smoker controls, 5.80 ± 3.09 and 5.15 ± 4.08, respectively (P < 0.01). The cytogenetic analysis of MN proved to be the most sensitive biological marker to assess the cellular response to low levels of irradiation.