Apoptosis, Cytogenetic and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Peripheral Blood among group of Industrial Radiographers

Abstract

Workers in the nuclear industry are a suitable population for the direct estimation of radiation effects at low doses: they form large, relatively stable populations with relatively well-measured and well-recorded external radiation doses. The aim of the present study is to detect the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood and frequency of micronuclei (FMN) among industrial radiographers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Accordingly, venous blood samples were obtained from 40 industrial radiographers exposed to x-ray during industrial procedures vs. 20 persons not exposed to ionizing radiation as controls. Blood samples were assayed for total and differential blood count and cell phenotype of circulating EPCs, whose surface markers were identified as the CD34, CD133 and kinase domain receptor (KDR), FMN and apoptosis percentage . Also plasma stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) vere also identified. Results showed a significant increase in circulating EPCs, SDF-1α, VEGF, FMN and apoptosis percentage among industrial radiographers compared to normal subject control. It is concluded that the industrial radiographers have increased numbers of circulating EPCs and accordingly, increased capacity for tissue repair. Soheir Korraa*, Mohamed Saied* and Mona Yousri** *Department of Health Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology – Atomic Energy Authority of Egypt **Department of Clinical Pathology – Faculty of Medicine – Al Azhar University