Standardisation and Validation of Cytogenetic Markers to Quantify Radiation Absorbed Dose

Venkatachalam Perumal; Solomon Paul; Harpreet Kaur; R. K. Jeevanram

doi:10.14429/dsj.61.832

Venkatachalam Perumal Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
Solomon Paul Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
Harpreet Kaur Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
R. K. Jeevanram Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.832

Keywords: Dicentric chromosomes, micronucleus, translocations, gH2AX assay, biological dosimetry, biomarkers

Abstract

The amounts of radiation exposure received by radiation workers are monitored generally by physical dosimeters like thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) and film badge. However, in practice the over-exposure recorded by physical dosimeters need to be confirmed with biological dosimeters. In addition to confirming the dose recorded by physical dosimeters, biological dosimeters play an important role in estimating the doses received during accidental exposures. Exposure to high levels of radiation induces certain biochemical, biophysical, and immunological changes (biomarkers) in a cell. Measurement of these changes are generally precise but cannot be effectively used to assess the dose, as the level of these changes return to normalcy within hours to months after exposure. Thus, among various biological indicators, cytogenetic indicators are considered practical and reliable for dose estimation. The paper highlights the importance and establishment of biodosimetry facility using genetic markers such as the sensitive dicentric chromosomes, rapid micronucleus assay and stable translocations measured using fluorescence in situ hybridisation and GTG banding for retrospective dose estimation. Finally, the development of gH2AX assay, as a potential marker of triage dosimeter, is discussed.

Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(2), pp.125-132, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.832

Author Biographies

Venkatachalam Perumal, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai

Dr P. Venkatachalam received his PhD from the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam, India and had post-doctoral training on the role of DNA repair and oxygen tension in the expression of low-fluence alpha irradiation-induced adaptive and bystander effects at the Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School, USA. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai, India, where he is involved in teaching and in research on cytogenetic damage following in vivo exposure to lowdose ionizing radiation and chemicals.

Solomon Paul, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai

Dr Solomon Paul received his PhD from Madras University, Chennai for his work on the effects of low-dose occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, and carried out postdoctoral studies on the role of NBS gene in DNA repair pathways. Currently, he is the Professor and Head of the Department of Human Genetics of Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India, where he is involved in teaching and studying the cytogenetic alteration of various genetic disorders associated with mental retardation.

Harpreet Kaur, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai

Dr Harpreet Kaur received his MSc form the Madurai Kamaraj University and PhD from Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai in the filed of radiation biodosimetry. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Human Genetics of Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India, where she is involved in teaching and studying the cytogenetic alteration and molecular markers of various solid tumors.

R. K. Jeevanram, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam

Dr R.K. Jeevanram received his PhD from Bombay University, Mumbai. He was a scientific officer and head for radiation biodosimetry at Health and Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam, India, where he developed tools to quantify the effects of lowdose occupational exposure to ionizing radiation using bioassays and genetic markers. Currently, he is the Visiting Professor in the Department of Physics, Bharathidasan University, Trichy.