DNA damage and glutathione content in radiology technicians

Background: We wanted to investigate the effect of X-rays on mononuclear blood cells (MNCs) and red blood cells (RBCs) of radiology technicians exposed to X-rays in hospital. Methods: DNA damage was detected by fluorometric analysis of DNA unwinding. Glutathione levels were measured with enzymatic method in mononuclear blood cells. Glutathione content and catalase (CAT) activity of erythrocytes, and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by spectrophometric methods. Results: An insignificant increase in plasma malondialdehyde levels and a significant decrease in mononuclear blood cells glutathione levels were observed in nonsmoking radiology technicians. In smoking radiology technicians, oil the other hand, in addition to an increase in plasma malondialdehyde levels, DNA damage was also significantly apparent. Besides mononuclear blood cells' glutathione depletion, the glutathione content of red blood cells was also found to be decreased. Conclusion: It can be suggested that smoking seems to augment the toxic effects of radiation. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.