Title: Chromosomal aberration analysis in lymphocytes from workers exposed to I-131 in nuclear medicine departments in Iran

Authors: Farideh Zakeri, Ahmad Heidary, Reza Gholi Assaei, Roshan Varzegar

Addresses: Radiobiology and Biodosimetry Group, National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD), Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), PO Box 14155-4494, Tehran, Iran. ' Radiobiology and Biodosimetry Group, National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD), Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), PO Box 14155-4494, Tehran, Iran. ' Medical Care and Radiation Biology Division, National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD), Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), PO Box 14155-4494, Tehran, Iran. ' Radiobiology and Biodosimetry Group, National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD), Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), PO Box 14155-4494, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: In order to evaluate the cytogenetic effects of low doses of radiation by internal or external exposure to iodine-131, we analysed chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 34 subjects working in the nuclear medicine departments in Iran. The studied groups consisted of 26 individuals (Group A) who were employed in these centres without any evidence of radiation exposure by physical dosimeters or whole body counting, and 8 workers who were suspected to be exposed chronically to low doses of radiation from iodine-131. The results revealed that the mean frequency of CA in group A was not significantly increased compared with the control group (P = 0.21), while in group B the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, these cytogenetic findings showed chromosome damage depended on internal or external radiation exposures but did not show its relation to the duration of work.

Keywords: chromosome aberration; nuclear medicine departments; human lymphocytes; iodine-131; cytogenetic effects; low dose rates; low radiation; Iran; radiation exposure; peripheral blood lymphocytes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2006.007891

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2006 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.13 - 19

Published online: 30 Sep 2005 *

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