engleski

Application of different cytogenetic endpoints in biomonitoring of medical personnel occupationally exposed to ultrasound

Using ultrasonic waves it is possible to produce image of structures within the human body. Because it is an invasive procedure, theoretical risks to the tissues and cells do exist. Reports about potentially harmful effects of diagnostic ultrasound on human chromosomes are contradictory. In present study the cytogenetic damage resulting from occupationally exposure to ultrasound was investigated. Genotoxic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated by different cytogenetic endpoints: chromosome aberrations (CA), micronucleus assay (MN), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and analysis of mitotic activity. Samples of peripheral blood were taken from medical personnel working with ultrasound equipment with transducers frequencies 2.5 - 7.5 MHz (absolute max. ultrasonic power 0.8-4.9 mW/cm2, absolute max. spatial peak-pulse average intensity 60-110 W/cm2, absolute max. spatial peak-temporal average intensity 1.9-20 mW/cm2) and control subjects. Results of cytogenetic endpoints indicate higher level of genome damage in somatic cells of exposed subjects compared to control. The percentage of cells with CA in the exposed group was 3.6% compared with 0.8% in the control group. Predominantly detected CA were chromatid and chromosome breaks. SCE analysis in some exposed subjects showed an increase in number and range of exchanges as well as irregularities in the distribution of cells over the first, second and third mitotic division compared to control. In exposed subjects we noticed an increased total number of micronuclei and changes in their distribution compared to control. Although our results indicate cytogenetic effects of ultrasound on human lymphocytes, further investigations are necessary to clarify effects of ultrasound exposure on health risks, especially on DNA damages.

human lymphocytes; cytogenetic endpoints; ultrasound

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