Calibration curves development for biological cytogenetic dosimetry and experience with medical exposure

Relevance. Taking into account the increasing probability of exposure to ionizing radiation in humans (including emergencies, occupational and medical exposure), it became obvious that it is necessary to increase the technical capabilities of biodosimetric laboratories to estimate radiation doses for various exposure scenarios. Therefore, it is necessary to develop calibration curves for using different methods of biological dosimetry and to introduce these methodological approaches into the practical activities of the laboratory.

Intention. To develop calibration curves for determining the radiation dose using different cytogenetic methods: analysis of dicentrics chromosomes, micronucleus test with cytochalasin B and the analysis of prematurely condensed chromosomal fragments (PCC) after gamma irradiation.

Methodology. Dependence of the frequency of chromosomal aberrations detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the external radiation dose after gamma in vitro irradiation of blood samples in the dose range of 0-6 Gy was evaluated. Equations of the dose dependence of the frequency of aberrations were obtained. Based on that calibration curves were created that let to determine the biological dose of radiation.

Results and Discussion. As a result of analysis of chromosomal aberrations induced in vitro by ionizing radiation (dicentric chromosomes, micronuclei in binuclear cells, and PCC fragments), dose–dependence equations have been obtained. The equations have been validated by determining the radiation dose of a blood sample irradiated in vitro, which confirmed the adequacy of the developed models. Control levels of analyzed cytogenetic parameters were revealed. In patients suspected of being overexposed during medical research using ionizing radiation (CT studies), using the obtained calibration curve for assessing the absorbed radiation dose by the number of dicentric chromosomes, radiation doses indicating the absence of overexposure were established.

Conclusion. Developed equations for the dose dependence of the frequency of dicentric chromosomes, micronuclei in binucleated cells, and PCC fragments make it possible to efficiently estimate the biological dose of radiation in persons exposed to ionizing radiation. The use of a battery of cytogenetic tests expands the laboratory’s capabilities in the field of biological dosimetry in various exposure scenarios.

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