Evaluation of Cytogenetic Damage in Workers Exposed to Microwave Radiation of GEM Radar Using New Criteria in Scoring Micronucleus Test

摘要

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is one of the standard cytogenetic tools employed in theassessment of chromosomal damage subsequent to the exposure to genotoxic/cytotoxic agents on human cells.Within the frame of this study, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was used to assess the baselinecytogenetic damage in binuclear lymphocytes in workers occupationally exposed to microwave radiation ofGEM radar by virtue of measuring the frequency of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds.Microwave radiation of GEM radar equipment acts within microwave field of 10 μW/cm~2 to 10 mW/cm~2 andfrequency range of 1.5 GHz to 10.9 GHz that has contradictory cytogenetic effect on human cells and DNAmolecule. For that reason we used new criteria in scoring micronucleus assay that allows us to measurenucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds in addition to micronucleus frequency for more accurate effect onpossible damage on the level of the cells. Parameters of the micronucleus test were studied in workersoccupationally exposed to microwave radiation of GEM radar and in corresponding unexposed control subjects.It was found that in the subjects who were occupationally exposed to microwave radiation, the levels ofmicronuclei increased and showed interindividual variations. In addition, new parameters that were measured;nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds, were detected in exposed group in compare to control group that didnot shown this type of damage. Differences between mean group values were statistically significant (P<0.05).Our study indicates that micronucleus assay is a very useful tool in the assessment of cytogenetic damage ofindividuals exposed to microwave radiation of GEM radar equipment. On the basis of the micronucleusfrequency and frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds, the micronucleus technique with an easyand short-term application and with an easy scoring can be used for detection of damage induced by this type ofradiation.